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Wednesday, June 28, 2017
Rate rises
Locally owned and proudly independent
Councils in the north and south of the Tablelands announce increases in fees for ratepayers
By Rebecca Wallis Home owners on the southern Tablelands got stung a little more than their neighbours in the north last week after both Mareeba Shire Council and Tablelands Regional Council released their budgets. Residents in the south were given an average of 4.4 per cent rise in rates, while for those in the
commitment,” he said. “It is a strategic change of direction for how we maintain expectations on service levels whilst transitioning to a focus on sustainable development and growth by becoming an enterprising organisation and region.” He went on to state that while his first year in office was about focussing on organisation and making management chang-
"We are taking the lead in driving and shaping the future of our region."
– TRC Mayor Joe Paronella
north it was only a 2.5 per cent average. However, Mayor Paronella said in his speech that the 2017-2018 budget was not about finances, but about “growing opportunities and businesses”. “The annual budget is more than figures and
economic development and enterprise, weed eradication and community development which will have flow on effects across all communities within the Tablelands region,” he said. “We will be driving signature projects in the areas of economic development, population growth, developing communities and Council 2050.” In bringing down their budget at Wednesday’s monthly council meeting Mareeba Shire Council Mayor Tom Gilmore said the budget’s primary focus was to continue building a solid foundation for the future growth and prosperity of the shire. “This budget, based on a provision of the basics such as roads, water and other essential services, is balanced and with fully funded depreciation,” Cr Gilmore said.
es, he was now looking forward to an “exciting time”. “The 2017-18 budget shows a strong investment into the future including the employment of ten trainees and additional resources for asset management, communications and engagement, regional Continued P3
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Jumping to success
MAREEBA State High School ended the school term on a high last Friday with the annual athletics carnival. Students competed in various athletic events for points with McKinley house named the 2017 overall champions. Pictured is young Kurtis Mulholland-Bryde of McKinlay house in the long jump. PHOTOS & RESULTS P22.
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