SOUTHERN Downs Regional Council’s draft budget is set to go on display, with the council also about to hold information sessions across the region.
Over the past six months council officers have been working on the draft 2016/17 budget for the new council.
The draft was been presented to the new council as part of the induction process, and it is now set to go on exhibition for 28 days to seek feedback and comment from the community.
This is the first year that the draft budget has been made available for community viewing and feedback, which is part of the process adopted in September last year to create a more transparent budget for 2016/17.
Mayor Tracy Dobie said placing the budget on exhibition, holding information sessions, and requesting feedback from residents before the budget is adopted is a great way for the community to take ownership of the budget.
“All councillors have been thoroughly briefed so that they can be brought up to speed on the draft budget considerations and I now look forward to hearing feedback from the community,” she said.
“While everyone within the council team has been urged to carefully review spending, the need to provide the appropriate level of services expected by the community has also been considered.”
The draft budget is consistent with the Long Term Financial Forecast and leaves rates at four per cent. It also recognises the ongoing shortfalls in funding from the Federal and State governments, as well as the need for the council to maintain the renewal of infrastructure and the continued delivery of quality services to urban and rural communities across the region.
It includes fees and charges, which have not increased significantly.
The council will continue to apply a “user pays” ethos to specific services.
Operating expenses in the budget have reduced, which reflects the contraction in the size of the work force due to natural attrition and performance management.
“The good news is that the draft budget forecasts a small operating surplus as well as a further reduction of the council’s debt by $2 million,” Cr Dobie said.
The draft capital works budget is the largest capital works budget that will be delivered by the council and recognises the funding success that the council has had across a diversity of funding streams.
About $23.4 million has been included for the capital works program which features several major projects to be undertaken across the region.
Highlights include:
* Stanthorpe Aerodrome safety improvements $500,000 – the runway will be kept up to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority’s standard and should provide another seven years valued service to the community.
* Warwick Aerodrome safety improvements $500,000 – provide a parallel hangar taxiway with a compliant taxiway strip and improvements to the taxiway strips/shoulders.
* Stanthorpe Flood Early Warning System $145,000 – upgrade the existing BOM Network to provide an effective early warning system.
* Warwick Water Treatment Plan Upgrade $900,000 – new clarifier to provide system redundancy and improve water quality.
* Bridge replacements: Connells Road Bridge $1.47 million; Boxes Road Bridge $1.26 million – both high priority projects, currently monitoring monthly.
* Old Stanthorpe Road Safety Improvements $400,000 – widening crests and curves.
* Nundubbermere Road improvements $450,000 – rehabilitation and widening.
* Sugarloaf Road Mount Tully Road, Stanthorpe $183,000 – road widening with shoulder, signage and delineation improvements.
* Connolly Dam Road, Warwick $235,000 – sealing unsealed section, delineation improvements, speed reduction.
* Mt Marley Lookout upgrade $80,000 – reseal road and line marking, directional plaque and signage, install covered picnic table.
* Stanthorpe Civic Centre repairs – restoring the Stanthorpe Civic Centre following extensive fire damage.
“Greatly assisting the council’s works going forward is the success of Southern Downs Regional Council’s submissions to the Federal Government’s Black Spot funding for roads program,” Cr Dobie said.
“Approximately $1.27 million has been secured for 15 projects out of only 89 projects across Queensland, which is a great result for our community.”
The council invites all residents to attend information sessions on the draft budget.
The sessions are to be held on the following dates: Warwick Town Hall, Palmerin Street, Tuesday 3 May at 6pm; Allora Community Hall, 55 Herbert Street, Thursday 12 May at 6pm; Council Chambers, Stanthorpe Administration Building, Marsh Street, Tuesday 17 May at 6pm; Cedar Room, Killarney Memorial Aged Care, 6 Cedar Street, Thursday 19 May at 6pm.
The draft budget is available for viewing on the council’s website which includes the capital works program, Long Term Financial Plan, fees and charges, and the operational budget.
Cr Dobie said the council encouraged all residents to provide feedback on the draft budget either via the online feedback form on the council’s website or by completing paper copies which will be available at the information sessions. The consultation period closes on Sunday 29 May.
