Council Hands Down Budget for 2023-24

Council today handed down its 2023-24 Budget, featuring a $46 million capital works budget and a 3.3% overall rates increase for average residential properties, compared to the April 2023 inflation rate of 6.8%.

In handing down the Budget, Mayor Danielle Slade said it recognises affordability pressures and paves the way for a strong and sustainable future for Mount Isa.

“This Budget embodies Council’s vision for progress and the well-being of the community. It reflects Council’s strategic priorities of infrastructure development, sustainability, and good governance, and lays the groundwork for a brighter future for Mount Isa residents,” Cr Slade said.

“As we move forward, Council will work tirelessly to implement the initiatives outlined in this Budget and listen to the needs of our community.”

Council is proposing a 3.6% increase in water access and consumption charges, a 4.8% increase in sewer charges, and a 5% increase in waste charges.

Council will be increasing the rates pension concession by 88%, from $85 per year to $160 per year. This will be on top of the $200 per year rates concession that pensioners receive from the State Government, for a maximum total concession of $360 per year.

For the 2023-24 financial year, Council is expected to have an operating revenue of $71.86 million and an operating expenditure of $71.74 million.

The total budget for 2023-24 is $119.6 million. Council has allocated $46.05 million towards capital works. Of this amount, $20.59 million is funded by grants revenue from the State Government or Federal Government, and $21.19 million is for new projects.

Council will be making significant investments in the renewal of infrastructure assets. The total capital works budget amount includes $10.11 million on roads renewals; $7.78 million on water and sewerage; $950,000 on parks and reserves; $15.1 million on Environmental and Regulatory Services; $9.58 million on community facilities; and $2.5 million on mobile plant replacement.

Features of the 2023-24 capital works budget include:

• $14 million for the construction of the Materials Recovery Facility (carried over from previous financial year)
• $3.15 million for the construction of Centennial Place (carried over from previous financial year)
• $3.1 million for energy-efficiency upgrades to Council’s infrastructure
• $2.4 million for the renewal of sealed roads in Mount Isa and Camooweal
• $1.3 million to install Splashez Aquatic Centre’s new water-play facility
• $1 million for stormwater renewals and upgrades
• $120,000 for a fishing pontoon at Lake Moondarra, and
• $1 million for footpath renewals and upgrades.

In Camooweal, Council will be spending $400,000 for a water treatment upgrade.

Council will also be investing in upgrading and maintaining community facilities and recreational spaces that promote an active and healthy lifestyle.

Cr Slade said Council recognises the importance of good governance and financial responsibility.

“We are committed to transparent and accountable decision-making processes. The Budget reflects Council’s commitment to sound financial management, ensuring that ratepayer dollars are utilised efficiently and effectively,” she said.

“Going forward, Council will continue to prioritise asset management, the improvement of service levels, and maintaining strong levels of cash reserves.”

The 2023-24 Budget documents can be found at www.mountisa.qld.gov.au/homepage/324/budget-2023-24.