Council Hands Down 2022-23 Budget

Mount Isa City Council has this morning handed down its 2022-23 Budget, which includes a $34.375 million capital works budget, and a 6% general rates increase.

Mayor Danielle Slade said it’s important that Council stays financially strong and makes Mount Isa more liveable for all residents, while continuing sustainable development.

“As Councillors, it’s our responsibility to set the Council's vision, direction and budget. It’s the Mayor and Councillors who are responsible for the financial administration of the Council," Cr Slade said.

“As Councillors, we’ve all had an opportunity to have our say on the budget, as the community has elected us to do.”

The 2022-23 capital works budget includes:

• $8.9 million for the Materials Recovery Facility
• $6.6 million for roads and drainage
• $6.475 million for buildings and other structures
• $4.6 million for water and sewerage
• $3.5 million for plant and equipment
• $2.3 million for the Family Fun Precinct upgrade
• $2 million for Smart Water Meters

In Camooweal, Council will be spending $200,000 on roads, drainage and parks; $200,000 on sewer and water; and $250,000 for internal renovations of the Camooweal Town Hall.

Council is also proposing a 3% increase in water charges, and 6% increases in both sewer and waste charges.

“The rate rise of 6% is one of the most difficult and regrettable decisions this Council has had to make,” Cr Slade said.

“While there were aspects of the budget I would have liked to have seen changed or restrained, there is no doubt this is a responsible budget with a lot of exciting projects.

“I will continue to ensure that decisions made at Council are responsible, transparent and in the interests of residents.”

For the 2022-23 financial year, Council is expected to have an operating revenue of $69 million and an operational expenditure of $70.83 million.

“After two years of extraordinary challenges and difficulties, the Mount Isa community, and indeed the rest of Australia, is slowly getting back onto its feet and is now on the road to recovery,” Cr Slade said.

“Mount Isa City Council responded to the COVID-19 pandemic by having a 0% overall rate increase in 2020-21, and a 3.75% increase in 2021-22.

“These steps were to assist the community to navigate through one of the most difficult periods it has ever faced, without having a long-term negative effect on Council’s future budgets and Council’s ability to deliver necessary services, projects and works to the community."