(Photo: Wikipedia)
June 15, 2020
Toowoomba Regional Council ratepayers will face an average 2.95 per cent increase in rates and charges after the Council handed down its 2020-21 Budget on Monday morning.
This will include a 2.5 per cent increase in general rates; the natural resources, park and bushland and environmental levies; wastewater charges and waste collection costs, along with a 4.1 per cent increase in water access and water usage charges.
Mayor Paul Antonio said the $567 million budget would maintain and upgrade existing services and facilities, while planning a brighter future for current and successive generations.
“The Budget reflects the priorities outlined in the Operational Plan and Council’s Corporate Plan,” Mayor Antonio said.
“Council remains committed to implementing a responsible and calculated financial approach in its Budget planning and delivery.”
The Mayor said the Budget was designed to complement State and Federal government pandemic relief measures.
“The coronavirus pandemic forced Council to reshape our Budget plans to focus sharply on how we can directly support communities across our region,” Mayor Antonio said.
“Fortunately, Council’s solid financial footing has allowed us to develop a $215 million capital program, along with an operating Budget component of $352 million.
“This includes a $165 million regular 12-month calendar of capital works.
“In addition, Council has devised a dedicated $50 million Pandemic Response Investment program comprising 64 projects that are being accelerated to stimulate economic activity across the Toowoomba Region.”
The Mayor said stimulating local employment was one of the most constructive and immediate ways the Council could help revive Toowoomba’s regional economy.
- Council’s 2020-21 Budget papers are available online
