Cassowary Coast Regional Council 2018/19 Budget

Cassowary Coast Regional Council (CCRC) has continued for the third year in a row to deliver the lowest rates rise since amalgamation in its 2018/19 Budget.

In today’s Special Budget Meeting, Mayor John Kremastos said he was proud to hand down another responsible Budget.

“Our budget and focus needs to keep abreast of the changing needs of the community and a crucial part of that is ensuring our finances are capable of providing exceptional but affordable services,” said Mayor Kremastos.

“Keeping rates rises low has been one of my major priorities since being elected as Mayor, and as such, I am very happy to welcome the announcement of a 1.41% (on average) increase being the lowest net rates and utility rise we’ve had in this Council to date.”

In a snapshot, the budget provides for $79.417 million in operating revenue and $79.407 million in expenditure.

“Another win for this budget is that we are a debt-free Council, which has saved us approximately $1 million, helping to keep our rates rise as low as we could,” said Mayor Kremastos.

“Also, we anticipate ending the 2017/18 year with a surplus and are now projecting a surplus of $9,000 for the 2018/19 budget.

“Although small, a surplus is something that any Council should be proud of.”

Mayor Kremastos said Council’s commitment to reducing the amount of boil water alerts across the region is evident through a total of $9.62 million proposed towards water supply asset renewal, replacement and upgrading of works.

“We have put forward $2.1 million towards the new Wheatley Water Reservoir, and $2 million on the new Bulgun Creek Reservoir intake, which is expected to decrease the number of boil water alerts for the Tully and Mission Beach areas.”

Mayor Kremastos said this 2018-19 Budget had been a great effort by all involved.

“We have been able to achieve this responsible budget due to the great effort by all staff, managing our increased activity while being diligent in managing our costs,” said Mayor Kremastos.

“I would like to thank my fellow Councillors, the Executive Leadership Team and Council staff for their roles in building the strong foundations for a bright future for the Cassowary Coast.”

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE 2018/19 BUDGET:

• Net rates and utilities has seen the lowest rise in rates since amalgamation with a slight increase of 1.41% (average).
• Reduction and no change in 466 fees, including building and planning applications.
• $40,000 towards Façade Upgrade grants, which is expected to create $400,000 in revenue for local contractors.
• Tully Showgrounds Grandstand has been allocated $1.5 million to replace the old stand, with an extra $400,000 towards upgrading the water mains at the showgrounds.
• $10.88 million towards road upgrades and renewals, including $3 million for unsealed road renewal program, and $804,000 towards Cowley Creek Bridge.
• $9.62 million towards water infrastructure improvements, including $2.1 million on the new Wheatley Reservoir, $2 million on the new Bulgun Creek Reservoir intake.
• $3.27 million towards sewerage infrastructure renewal and replacement including $1.06 million on the upgrade of the Tully sewerage treatment plant.