Welcome to this week’s Mayor’s Update. Each week, we look to keep you informed about the latest Council developments, events, and initiatives. Your engagement and feedback are valuable; please see the details at the end of this notice if you would like to get in touch with myself or another divisional councillor.
Budget Meeting Outcome
North Burnett Regional Council adopted its $62 million annual budget for the 2024-25 financial year at its budget meeting held on Wednesday, 10 July 2024, marking it the first of the new council term.
Like many Australians, Council is also feeling the impacts of inflation, growing costs, and the impacts of global uncertainties on the cost and supply of goods and services. The reality is that the cost of delivering essential services is growing, and any cost reductions we achieve are quickly consumed by growing costs elsewhere.
The budget sought to achieve a balance between prioritising community needs and expectations while progressively working towards securing the long-term financial sustainability of your Council.
Council has passed a general rate increase of 5%, recognising the pressures households in the region are facing – whilst also ensuring Council can fund, as far as possible, the services that are priorities for our communities.
Following the adoption of the budget, Council will continue to seek opportunities for additional cost efficiencies, as well as continue to vigorously pursue grant funding opportunities that support Council to respond to the needs of our region, our residents, and local businesses.
Council’s primary priorities are about maintaining essential services, addressing emerging issues, and future planning – while striving to keep rates as low as possible. This has been the yardstick against which all decisions in formulating the budget have been measured.
Looking forward, Council has allocated funds for strategic projects aimed at driving service improvements, growth and creating new opportunities. We are all dedicated to listening to community feedback, engaging with residents, and adjusting plans to best serve community needs.
Councillors and staff hold the interests of our residents and ratepayers at the heart of everything we do. We will continue to work together with our communities to deliver a prosperous future for generations.
Keep an eye out over the coming weeks for regular budget facts, exploring some of the topic’s councillors faced during the budget’s development. Learn more about the budget by visiting: northburnett.qld.gov.au/budget
Eidsvold Library
Council resolved in the June general meeting to change the operating hours for the Eidsvold Customer Service and Library Centre. Commencing Monday, 29 July 2024, the Centre will be open 8:30am – 11:30am and 12:30pm – 4:30pm, Monday to Friday.
Civil Works Schedule
Below the Maintenance Schedule for week commencing 1 July – weather permitting.
Maintenance Grading – (Possible delay due to recent rain affecting previous scheduled work)
- Zone1: Glen Valley Road
- Zone 2: Old Rawbelle Road
- Zone 3: Fairweathers Road to Prices Road
- Zone 4: McLaughlans Road
- Zone 7: Naylor St to West Woodmillar Rd – Flood Work
- Zone 8: Coonambula Road
Construction Crew
- North: Voss Road
- South: Gayndah Mt Perry Rd – Transport Infrastructure Development Scheme Project
Updates are also available on our website www.northburnett.qld.gov.au/future-road-works/
Councillor Contacts
As always, please do not hesitate to get in touch with me directly on 0458 696 272, or cr.les.hotz@northburnett.qld.gov.au or your Divisional Councillor, if you would like to address any concerns. Our contact details can be found on Council’s website: https://northburnett.qld.gov.au/meet-your-councillors.