Zero Rate Increase in This Year’s Council Budget

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Council building

Published: 24th June 2020

Council has taken on feedback from local businesses, residents and groups about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and will be freezing rates increases in this year’s Budget.

The 2020-21 Council Budget was handed down at a special meeting this afternoon.

With a $29.408 million capital works budget, Mayor Danielle Slade said the Budget was scaled-back and restrained yet fair.

“This is not the Budget that we wanted as a Council, it’s not ideal, but it is definitely the Budget that we need at this time,” Cr Slade said.

“Now more than ever, it’s crucial for Council to be responsible with its spending and we have achieved that with this year’s Budget.

“We recognise that many in the community have been doing it tough since earlier this year, when the financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic hit and have taken that into consideration with this Budget.

“We have held off on increasing rates and have also frozen the majority of Council fees and charges.

“These are simple yet important measures we can take as a Council to assist the community to get through such a difficult and unprecedented period.”

Cr Slade said Council had this year prioritised projects and works that could be, or had already been, funded either wholly or in part by external funding sources.

“This year’s capital works budget will be 55 percent funded by the Queensland or Australian governments, made possible with Council contributions,” Cr Slade said.

“This will ensure that essential upgrades and maintenance works, as well as big-ticket items such as our new $8.8 million Recycling Initiative, can still go ahead as planned without placing undue pressure on Council’s finances.

“Other major projects include the $5.1 million upgrade of the Family Fun Precinct, and $2.94 million to start the rollout of Smart Water Meters across Mount Isa.

“We will be allocating a total of $16.4 million to maintain essential Council infrastructure and services, such as urban and rural roads, the water and sewerage networks, local parks, green spaces, Outback at Isa, Buchanan Park, the Civic Centre and the Camooweal Town Hall.

“I commend Council for putting together what was asked of them – a pared-back, restrained and responsible Budget that will put us in good stead and able to face the future, and the COVID-19 recovery process, with confidence.”

The 2020-21 Capital Works Budget includes:

  • $3.7 million on city and rural roads and pavements
  • $4.1 million on city-wide sewer and water infrastructure
  • $2.2 million for maintenance and upgrades of community facilities including cemeteries, sporting and public amenities
  • $2 million for plant and machinery
  • $3.3 million for CBD beautification, footpaths, and parks
  • $5.7 million for Council’s Recycling Initiative
  • $2.5 million to upgrade the Family Fun Precinct
  • $2.9 million to begin installing Smart Water Meters across Mount Isa

All Budget documents can be read here: https://www.mountisa.qld.gov.au/homepage/297/budget-2020-21