On Our Selection News
Covering Cambooya, Hodgson Vale, Westbrook, Wyreema Districts "DAD AND DAVE COUNTRY"
Vol. 26
THURSDAY, June 16, 2022
Rate increase restricted to 2.5%
Toowoomba Regional Council has adopted its 2022-23 Budget which allows for an average increase of 2.5 per cent in rates and charges. It’s the first time in the Regional Council’s 14 year history that it has imposed a rate increase that is lower than the annual C.P.I. inflation rate. The majority of urban residential ratepayers will have an increase of $81.28 a year, or $1.56 a week, after discount, which includes all rates and charges, including water and wastewater charges. The $519 million 2022-23 Budget forecasts an operating deficit of $5.8 million. The Budget allows for operational (service delivery) expenditure of $360 million and a capital (infrastructure) program of $159 million. In the coming year, the major areas of capital expenditure will include: • $50.73 million for roads, bridges, footpaths, bikeways, drainage and aerodrome projects • $46.66 million for water projects • $6.28 million for wastewater projects • $11.7 million for waste services • $14.41 million for parks and recreation projects • $11.4 million for community services and facilities • $2.3 million for Information, Communication and Technology. The Budget allocation for Water and Waste expenditure includes $3 million to upgrade the Greenmount Waste Management Facility on Falknau Road. Toowoomba Region Mayor Paul Antonio said Council’s $519 million financial plan would maintain and upgrade existing services and facilities while planning for a brighter
future for current and successive generations. “The Budget reflects the priorities outlined in the Operational Plan (for the 2022-23 financial year) and Council’s Corporate Plan (2019-2024),” Mayor Antonio said. “Council remains committed to implementing a responsible and calculated financial approach in its Budget planning and delivery. “We have a responsibility to plan for maintenance and upgrades to our existing infrastructure to guarantee the longterm viability of essential services to residents.” Mayor Antonio said despite the uncertain global financial outlook, Council has managed to continue working in accordance with its long-term financial sustainability parameters to ensure it budgets for essential capital works and services that support the Region’s communities in the coming year and long into the future. “Our combined efforts have maintained the focus on delivering for our community,” he said. “We understand how health restrictions, disruptions from natural disasters, plus rising cost pressures across all sectors are affecting business activity and investment, not to mention family household budgets. The Mayor also confirmed Council’s use of local businesses. “We are committed to working with our local suppliers,” he said. In the current financial year to May 2022, Council has spent $177 million with local suppliers. “This equates to 64 per cent of our total expenditure, with additional payments to be made in June.”
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