On Monday 27 June, North Burnett Regional Council adopted a 2022-2023 Budget, according to requirements of Section 104 of the Local Government Act 2009 (Qld) and Section 169,170 and 171 of the Local Government Regulation 2012 (Qld).
North Burnett Regional Council highlights our vision in our Corporate Plan as a prosperous future for generations, built on a solid foundation of customer focus, with efficient and effective service delivery.
North Burnett Regional Council Mayor Les Hotz said, “Council’s priority in this budget, is essential service delivery and getting the basics right.”
Following a collaborative Service Delivery Review with community, Council has incorporated several findings and recommendations into the new budget. This also strives to address the need for sustainable operations.
Sustainability challenges have been exacerbated by rising fuel costs of more than 5.57% during the past twelve months, increasing insurance costs, increasing CPI, as well as a more than 4% increase related to materials and services expenses. Council have been advised that recurrent Financial Assistance Grants income will be substantially reduced by up to 7% of our rateable income. Council recognises that these costs and a decrease in revenue is unlikely to abate in the future. As such, Council is committed to proactively mitigating this issue by identifying and implementing widespread operational savings. Council has made a responsible decision to increase rates by 5%, in a concerted attempt to offset some rising costs.
Following adoption of the budget, Council will continue to seek opportunities for additional operational efficiencies. Council will also continue to work with the community to refine the level of services to be delivered and work in collaboration with stakeholders towards Council becoming financially sustainable long term.
The Local Disaster Management levy costs Council $285,000 per annum, which equates to $42 per rateable household. However, Council has only increased the levy from $6 to $15 per rateable household. Similarly, Council has also taken a decision to reduce the rates paid on time and in full discount, from 10% to 5%. Utility charges (including water, sewage and cleansing) have increased by 5% across the board. This takes account of household spending, but also goes some way towards assisting Council with ongoing unavoidable costs.
“Roads are critical North Burnett infrastructure. This year we are investing significantly in roads, including $1.58 million in resealing programs to ensure the longevity of our sealed road network. We will also expend $1.87 million in gravel re-sheeting works,” Mayor Hotz said.
“With recent floods, our bridges have been particularly affected, requiring significant repair, so we are committing $982,000 for bridge refurbishment works.”
“We have made provision for the ongoing upgrade of affected roads in our region, including $1.0 million towards Abercorn Road and $573,000 towards Hawkwood Road works.”
“The preservation of the iconic main street character of our towns is important for aesthetics and tourism. To achieve this, we will invest $3.4 million for Biggenden streetscape upgrades, subject to receiving external grant funding.”
“With our growing community, we recognise the need for effective waste services, and we have committed $3.7 million for Mundubbera Landfill expansion.”
“Another essential service is the delivery of water. An investment of $2.5 million for North Burnett Regional water security (subject to additional external funding) and $6.1 million for the Biggenden Water Treatment Plant over 2 years has been allocated.”
Media Contact
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