TOWNSVILLE
LIVING IN THE NORTH
August 2020 -
issue 3
2020/21 BUDGET
MAYOR’S MESSAGE The past 18 months has been a challenging time for Townsville. The monsoon of February 2019 and the COVID-19 global pandemic have impacted the community in different ways. Townsville City Council’s Budget for 2020/21 is about building a resilient future for our city and is one for our whole community. I’m thankful that on 28 March this year the Townsville community voted overwhelmingly for the policies and the proven track record that my Council put forward. We will repay that faith with a commitment to serve our community in the best way we can over the next four years. My Council’s responsible financial management has ensured this $648.8 million Budget is the fourth balanced Budget in as many years, accompanied by a general rates freeze for at least the next six months. We will invest more than $426.8 million into delivering vital services with a major focus on infrastructure maintenance and waste and wastewater services and a further $15 million to the already-committed $30 million COVID-19 response package, launched immediately after the outbreak hit. We will build and renew infrastructure, with much of our $221.9 million capital spend focusing on renewing utilities and services such as water services, wastewater systems, other utilities and drainage from around the CBD to the suburbs. I hope that you and your family keep well during this unprecedented time, and we look forward to continuing to provide the Townsville community with the services, facilities and infrastructure that it expects as we build a resilient future in 2020/21 and beyond.
Jenny Hill
CONTENTS TaskForce NQ
2
Mount Louisa Walking Track Extended
8
3
Are you Disaster Ready?
8
3
The Best Pet Selfie
9
Illegal Dumping 3
Caring For Your Pet
9
What This Budget Means For You
4
Have Your Say 9
Council’s 2020/21 Budget Explained
6
Report It App 9
Botanical Gardens Masterplan
8
Councillor Messages 10
Support Local Townsville Kerbside Is Back!
Subscribe and Win! 11
Taskforce NQ consists of over 90 community, business and government contributors working together to drive economic growth, attract investment and improve the quality of life for the residents of Townsville and the greater North Queensland region.
TASKFORCE NQ Industry, business, community and government accelerating North Queensland’s recovery. Recovery from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on North Queensland will require a broad cross section of the community and all levels of government to work together towards a shared vision and agreed plan.
To achieve this, Townsville City Council has spearheaded an integrated approach through a combined working taskforce made up of various working groups, to address accelerated recovery programs and projects for various sectors. The purpose of these working groups is to devise and recommend short-term and longer term projects and policy initiatives that will aid in fast-tracking the recovery of the North Queensland region in areas of: • Social wellbeing – health and lifestyle; • Economic stimulus - employment and economic activating projects. The working groups will report to the Steering Committee COVID-19 Taskforce NQ and link to State and Federal government agencies (where relevant). For more information visit taskforcenq.com.au
Industry, business, community and government
accelerating North Queensland’s recovery. Living in the North | 2
taskforcenq.com.au
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KERBSIDE IS BACK! Kerbside collection to move to online booking system. Townsville City Council has adopted a new booking system for its popular kerbside collection program. The booking system will replace the suburb-by-suburb approach of the past, giving residents a set collection date for their property, and is expected to reduce cluttered footpaths, minimise illegal dumping and relieve pressure on Council waste facilities.
SUPPORT LOCAL TOWNSVILLE Eat, shop and support local. Townsville City Council is encouraging all residents to continue doing their part in supporting local businesses wherever possible. As COVID-19 restrictions ease, there is no better time to shop local. Lend support to local shops – whether that be restaurants, hairdressers, boutiques or fresh produce. Have some fun with it and play the ‘Buy Local Challenge’ bingo. Visit Council’s website to download the bingo challenge game. It has never been more important to support local businesses.
Residents are encouraged to visit Council’s website to find out what can and can’t be collected. Council won’t collect any hazardous or dangerous products or any liquid or food waste. Also, a reminder that very heavy items and green waste will not be collected. With more and more cities across the country adopting this booking system, Council is confident residents will welcome this more efficient approach. Bookings can be made from Monday 17 August. For more information, visit Council’s website.
Townsville is among four Queensland Councils involved in a partnership program that is funded by the Queensland Government. The program provides funding for officers to prevent, investigate and respond to illegal dumping activities.
Illegal Dumping Illegal Dumping
Fines apply Fines apply
The pilot program was set up because the Queensland Government acknowledged that illegal dumping needed to be addressed. Townsville residents risk a $2,135 fine if they dump unlawfully, so it is much cheaper to take it to Council’s waste facilities with a small load of household waste only costing $8.70 to dump. Residents can dispose of green waste free of charge at Council waste facilities all year round.
This project is proudly supported by the Queensland Government. This project is proudly supported by the Queensland Government.
Living in the North | 3
What this Budget means for you Where your rates and utility charges go for every $100 Council invests your rates and utility charges directly back into our community. Every $100 can be divided into the following infrastructure and service costs.
$15 million COVID-19 Support “Council is rolling out these measures to help alleviate some of the hardship being felt by our community and small businesses as we manage the economic fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic.� - Cr Jenny Hill Mayor of Townsville
Community Response
Economic Support
Rates relief - No general rates increase for owner occupiers in the next 6 months.
$0.7m in activation programs to stimulate city development.
Hardship Policy - 3 month deferral for rates. 3 months free commercial rent for COVID-19 impacted tenants of Council owned properties.
Job incentives encouraging businesses to move and bring jobs to Townsville. Up to 25% reduction in infrastructure charges (up to $250,000), for local job creation. $1,000 First Home Buyers Incentive.
Continuing support for local business with 14 day payment terms. 50% sewerage concession to notfor-profit sporting groups.
Living in the North | 4
$221.9m infrastructure spend. Local procurement spend of over 85%. For more information visit townsville.qld.gov.au
10% payment discount on rates When rates are paid by the due date. By paying your rates by the due date you are assisting Council to deliver services and assets to the Townsville community.
Up to
$1,000
off rates for first home buyers in the first 12 months. Living in the North | 5
Council’s 2020/21 Budget Explained Strong financial management and jobs generation In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Council, in line with the 2020/21 Budget, has committed to a $221.9 million investment in infrastructure to support local jobs, a $15 million COVID-19 support response and a freeze on general rates for owner-occupiers.
To support jobs, 1,769 jobs will be created by investing in jobs-generating capital works across Townsville. $75.8 million has been included for new, enhanced, and refurbished underground infrastructure such as water, wastewater and stormwater assets.
The 2020/21 Budget is a total value of $648.8 million with the intent to help the city to recover from the pandemic, while at the same time investing in the future. The Budget has been delivered with a focus on ensuring Council invests in a way that supports Townsville to continue to grow.
Other major works will also assist in jobs:
• Freeze on general rates for owner-occupiers for at least the next 6 months; • Freeze on wastewater charges across the city; • Economic support for business; and • Support for community groups and not-for-profit organisations. To ensure Council can deliver these, water charges, and wheelie bin and landfill fees will be increased by 5%. These increases combined will, on average, cost ratepayers $0.98 cents per week.
• $22.7 million for water security; • $81.1 million for parks and open spaces; and • $7.6 million for the restoration of Townsville’s waterways and coastal environment. The 2020/21 Budget also includes support to first home buyers with up to $1,000 off their rates bill at their new property. Lastly, the Budget also provided: • $20.6 million to deliver arts, culture and community celebrations;
020/21
A few of the main highlights from the 2020/21 Budget include:
• $150.3 million will be outlaid to maintain and improve our road network;
• $9 million for community grants, sponsorships and funding agreements; • Pensioner rate concessions; and
• 10% discount for early payment on rates for all ratepayers.
Living in the North | 6
More than $25 million invested in support for community
Townsville City Council’s First Home Buyers Incentive
Council’s 2020/21 Budget will assist community and not-for-profit groups with $25 million allocated to grants, concessions on rates and utility charges, in-kind support, funding and lease and rent relief as part of the community recovery from COVID-19.
Townsville residents looking to break into the housing market can receive up to $1,000 off their first year’s rates for new and existing properties that go under contract after 1 July 2020. Eligible First Home Buyers criteria:
• You must have purchased a new or existing home in the Townsville Local Government area where the contract for construction or sale is signed after the 1/07/2020 (this discount is per new home – not to each of the applicants for the same home);
Community and not-for-profit groups play a massive part in making Townsville a great place to live, and Council is committed to supporting them 100%. The Budget also includes a 50% discount on sewerage charges for not-for-profit sporting groups.
• Home and land must be valued at less than $450,000; • You must live in the home before 1 July 2021; and • You must reside in the home for a continuous period of at least 6 months.
On top of this, Townsville City Council has one of the most generous pensioner rate concessions in Queensland and the 2020/21 Budget continues this tradition. Up to $800 in concessions on general rates are available to eligible pensioners.
Visit Council’s website to apply online. If you have any questions contact Council on 13 48 10.
Supporting community and business recovery from COVID-19 Council’s 2020/21 Budget is committed to helping the community recover from the economic and social impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Budget includes $15 million in support initiatives which are in addition to the $30 million COVID-19 response package announced in March. Council has put a freeze on general rates and sewerage charges for at least the next 6 months. Council will also retain the 10% general rates discount for early payments, as well as a three-month extension on the payment due date for households that need it.
Council has offered three months of free commercial rent for tenants of Council-owned properties where needed and will support local businesses through 14-day payment terms. In addition to these initiatives, Council has also included initiatives to stimulate new development across Townsville. Developments valued at more than $4 million may be eligible for a 25% reduction in Council infrastructure charges (up to a maximum of $250,000). Council continues to offer its CBD development incentive package which includes the waiver of fees and charges for eligible projects to promote high value development in the city area.
Budget 2020/21 brings you: $15m COVID-19 Community Response Package
Rates Relief
$648.8m Total Investment in Community Service Delivery
Living in the North | 7
1,769 Local Jobs Forecasted
020/21
For more information on Budget 2020/21 visit Council’s website townsville.qld.gov.au
$221.9m Infrastructure Investment
BOTANICAL GARDENS MASTERPLAN The Townsville community has conducted two rounds of consultation regarding the design and features of a Botanic Gardens Masterplan that includes Anderson Gardens, The Palmetum and Queens Gardens. This valuable feedback has helped shape the development for the next 10 years. The city’s three botanic gardens are popular with locals and tourists alike and it is essential that any proposed enhancements are carefully planned.
Townsville City Council will extend the track being constructed on Mount Louisa to give walkers and runners a great workout as well as magnificent views across the city. Council has committed an additional $350,000 in the 2020/21 Budget that will extend the track’s length from 2.25km to 3km. The initial Mount Louisa Open Space Masterplan featured a 1.8km track however this additional funding will allow people to complete a full circuit near the summit. The 3km track will also give walkers and runners great views across the city from the summit and new lookouts. They will look out over Castle Hill, Magnetic Island, The Strand and Pallarenda. These landmarks are on the top of the must-see list for tourists in Townsville.
The Masterplan identifies the major projects that would take priority at each of the Gardens which includes maintenance on our irrigation systems, updating our plant catalogues and introducing education programs for the community. To view the public consultation report and draft masterplan visit haveyoursay.townsville.qld.gov.au
Emergency News
COUNCIL EXTENDS MOUNT LOUISA BUSH WALKING TRACK
Weather Warnings
Works on the extended track are expected to be completed in September 2020.
Road Conditions
Are you disaster ready? Townsville City Council’s
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT DASHBOARD Townsville City Council, through the Townsville Local Disaster Management Group, is committed to ensuring our city is prepared for disasters. To check out the Emergency Management Dashboard visit disaster.townsville.qld.gov.au
Living in the North | 8
Power Outages
DO YOU THINK YOU HAVE THE BEST PET SELFIE?
CARING FOR YOUR PET Your animals are an important part of your family and should be cared for like any other family member. Do the right thing to keep them safe, exercised and happy.
For your chance to
As a dog owner you should do a few simple things to keep your pet/s out of trouble and your neighbours happy:
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• Make sure your dog is properly fenced in at home; • Keep them on a lead when you are out;
we want to see your furry friend’s most #instaworthy selfie.
• Stop them from roaming or being aggressive; • Pick up any litter left by them in public; • Promote a cool and shady area in your backyard;
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• Make sure they are registered and identified so they can be rescued; and
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• Have cool, clean water available at all times. Make sure you have liked Townsville City Animals on Facebook to stay up-to-date with all things animals!
REPORT IT APP Out and about? We encourage residents to report problems to help us to maintain our city. You can report a problem by downloading one of the apps: Townsville City Council invites you to participate and have your say on a range of projects and initiatives in our community. Have Your Say Townsville is an online hub where you have the opportunity to give real input and direction into the projects and initiatives affecting your area and our great city.
• iCouncil (iPhone & iPad) or • Snap Send Solve (Android). Don’t have a smart phone? No worries! Report the problem to enquiries@townsville.qld.gov.au or call 13 48 10.
Whether it be playgrounds, planning schemes or major infrastructure, this is the place to share your thoughts, ideas and opinions. Work with us and shape your community, your region and your future.
Living in the North | 9
Councillor Messages
Division 2 Cr. Sue Blom It is with great pleasure and pride that I represent the residents of Division 2 and the whole of Townsville for the next four years. Thank you for putting your trust in me. My pledge to you, the residents, is to be honest and hardworking, and to listen to the people who elected me.
Division 1 Cr. Margie Ryder Thank you Division 1 for allowing me to continue to represent you as your Councillor. This term I will be advocating for the ‘not so pretty’ capital budget items, including underground infrastructure, to ensure long-term sustainability for our community. I will also continue to support the grassroots organisations who truly are the backbone of our city, working to make sure these groups and individuals are well equipped into the future.
Division 4 Cr. Mark Molachino I would like to thank you all for your support and help over the last few years. I will continue to work hard for the Upper Ross and there will be new projects happening in the area over the coming months. A major focus for Council in this budget is a rollout of infrastructure renewals to ensure we continue to deliver vital services for our City. It has been an interesting start to 2020 but I am confident we will get through this together. I am always available if you have any questions. Please give me a call or send an email.
Division 3 Cr. Ann-Maree Greaney Once again I am proud to represent the residents of Division 3 and thank you for re-electing me as your Councillor. COVID-19 is impacting on our community in ways that we have never experienced before, and we are working hard to ensure that our community gets through this tough time. I look forward to working with you to make Division 3 even better, and please don’t hesitate to contact me if you need my assistance with any Council matters.
Division 6 Cr. Suzy Batkovic As the new Councillor for Division 6, the last three months have been hectic - meeting with residents, local business owners and community groups, and working with Councillors and staff to bring down the Budget. In these tough times we’re working hard to get the balance right - upgrading vital infrastructure like roads and drainage while still providing essential facilities in our neighbourhoods including parks, playgrounds and bus stops. I look forward to working with you to make Division 6 an even better place to live, work and play.
Division 5 Cr. Russ Cook I wish to thank the residents in Kirwan, Thuringowa Central, Cranbrook and Mount Louisa areas for showing faith in me by re-electing me as your Division 5 Councillor. During this term I will continue to make myself available to residents, including Meet Your Councillor pop-ups around Division 5. If you see me on the side of the road, in a park, a shopping centre or at a sporting event, please pop over and say gidday.
Residents can now receive updates straight to their inbox. Divisional News Updates contain the latest information on Council works, projects and opportunities in your area. To subscribe visit townsville.qld.gov.au/councillor-profiles, select your local Councillor and complete the online form.
Living in the North | 10
We’ve gone digital
Division 7
Division 8
Cr. Kurt Rehbein I am proud to be the voice for Division 7 for another four years. The recent boundary changes brought Mount Louisa and Cosgrove into Division 7 and I look forward to meeting as many new residents as I can. The past year has been incredibly tough for Townsville, and now as we respond to, and recover from, COVID-19 we will have many challenges. I look forward to working with you all to get through this difficult time.
Cr. Maurie Soars Welcome to all residents and visitors. I believe it is fair to say our major focus is dealing with the fall out of COVID-19 and how best to assist with several initiatives falling within our latest budget. These include the First Home Buyer Concession, hardship support and support for culture, events, not-for-profit sporting and recreational clubs. Local job creation will also be an outcome from infrastructure upgrades occurring around the city.
Division 9
Division 10
Cr. Liam Mooney As a Townsville local born and bred, it fills me with immense pride to be trusted and given this incredible opportunity by the residents. It’s been a whirlwind few months of learning the ropes and being brought up to speed to help deliver the Budget. Thank you to everyone in Division 9 for your support and I look forward to driving Division 9 and Townsville forward.
Cr. Les Walker It’s an honour to be back representing the people of Division 10, the area where I have lived most of my life. 2020 has had an interesting start and 2019 was also a tough year for those heavily impacted by the monsoon. We all had to dig deep, help our neighbours, and rebuild our lives. It’s great to see so many families back in their homes but we still have many residents slowly returning to their communities. I’m here to help, so please don’t hesitate to give me a call if you need further assistance.
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Living in the North | 11
CONTACT Visit Customer Service Centre, 103 Walker Street, Townsville 8am - 5pm, Monday to Friday (closed Public Holidays) Customer Service Point, CityLibraries Thuringowa 9am - 2pm, Monday to Thursday (closed Public Holidays) Phone 13 48 10 Web Contact us online at townsville.qld.gov.au or email enquiries@townsville.qld.gov.au Mobile Go mobile with iCouncil (iPad and iPhone) or Snap Send Solve (Android) apps. Post PO Box 1268, Townsville QLD 4810 Fax 07 4727 9050
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY The Townsville City Council acknowledges the Gurambilbarra Wulgurukaba, Bindal, Nywaigi and Gugu Badhun peoples as the Traditional Owners and custodians of this Country and recognise their connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to them, their cultures and to their Elders, past, present and emerging. Townsville City Council advises that all content is correct at time of printing. All information is subject to change without notice. Townsville City Council Š 2020