South Burnett Regional Council will hold its Budget discussions in public for the first time since it was formed in 2008.
Council recently started the process of framing its 2021-22 Budget, and will hold now Budget meetings every Wednesday afternoon, after its weekly Standing Committee or General meetings.
The 2021-22 Budget is due to be handed down on Wednesday, June 30.
Mayor Brett Otto said holding the Budget meetings in public was part of his election commitment to more open and transparent local government.
“Council is facing a challenging Budget and we are keen to take the community with us through the Budget deliberations,” Mayor Otto said.
The first Budget meeting was held this week.
At that meeting, Councillors dispensed with several routine items necessary to begin Budget deliberations.
These included confirming the discounts applicable for prompt payment of rates (10 per cent – no change); concessions for approved pensioners ($200 maximum – no change); and exemptions or concessions to various community groups such as kindergartens, race clubs, sporting groups and similar organisations (no change).
Councillors also confirmed long-standing discount arrangements with two landholders hosting water bores or pump sites ($1000 each – no change) and the operation of its independent Waste Services Business Unit (no change).
Future Budget meetings will be livestreamed on Council’s website.
The public are also welcome to attend Budget meetings in person, but COVID-19 restrictions will apply.
- External link: SBRC Council Meetings
