June 6, 2023
The majority of urban residents in the Toowoomba Regional Council area will play an extra $129.23 a year in rates and charges following Council’s adoption of its $651 million 2023-24 Budget on Tuesday.
The figure, released by the TRC, covers all rates, water and wastewater charges, after the usual discounts are applied.
The general rate will rise 4 per cent, higher than the 2.5 per cent rise for the past four Budgets but substantially lower than the 8.45 per cent hike in 2010-11.
Council is forecasting an operating surplus of $1.1 million.
The Budget is the largest adopted by the TRC.
“Council remains committed to implementing a responsible and calculated financial approach in its Budget planning and delivery,” Mayor Paul Antonio said.
“We have a responsibility to plan for maintenance and upgrades to our existing infrastructure to guarantee the long-term viability of essential services to residents.
“Fortunately, Council’s solid financial footing has allowed us to develop a $201 million capital program along with an operating Budget component of $450 million.
“A capital allocation of $109.08 million for asset renewal in this Budget emphasises Council’s strong focus on investing in infrastructure renewal programs across our extensive water, wastewater and road networks, plus other community assets, to look after what we have built in the past.
“Council has a legal and moral obligation to maintain its existing infrastructure and our ability to manage our $5.6 billion asset base across 13,000 square km is a key performance indicator by which we are judged by the Queensland Audit Office and, more broadly and ultimately, the Queensland Parliament.
“In addition, $68.45 million is set aside for upgrade projects, while $23.86 million has been allocated for new capital projects across the region.
“Inflationary conditions that continue to influence national and global economies are a reminder of the need for cautious and considered financial planning.
“Just as families and businesses are keeping close tabs on their spending and finances generally, we at Council face similar challenges across all our operations.
“Council is balancing funding reductions from the State and Federal governments, rising material costs, external and internal labour shortages while community expectations keep rising.”
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The TRC has committed $4 million towards the sealing of Nukku Road between Crows Nest and Blackbutt.
Subsidised by the Transport Infrastructure Development Scheme, this project will upgrade the remaining unsealed section to a standard two-lane seal road.
The concept and design was completed in 2022-23.
Construction is scheduled to begin in 2023-24 and be completed in 2026-27.
During this financial year, the TRC will also build new footpaths in Margaret and Toomey streets in Yarraman.
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2023-24 Budget highlights include:
- $7.5 million for community services and facilities
- $16.35 million for parks and recreation projects
- $15.72 million for business strategy and operations
- $68.96 million for roads, drainage, footpaths and bikeways
- $5.62 million for waste services
- $12.82 million for wastewater projects
- $74.43 million for water projects, including $20 million to start construction of the safety upgrade at Cressbrook Dam to ensure compliance with State Government requirements
