By Jeremy Sollars
The first of a series of public information sessions on the Southern Downs Regional Council’s draft 2018-2019 budget will be held at the Warwick Town Hall tomorrow night, Tuesday 3 April, from 5.30pm.
The draft budget was released last week as part of the March council meeting, with ratepayers looking at a rate rise of 2.75 per cent next financial year.
Members of the public are encouraged to attend the public info sessions and have their say on the proposed 2018-2019 budget.
The proposed 2.75 per cent rate rise – applying to general rates and waste, water and wastewater charges – will raise $55.26 million for the council next financial year.
Rates in the region rose by 3.4 per cent in the current financial year and the council has factored in an annual 3 per cent rise going forward indefinitely.
The SDRC is one of a number of Queensland councils currently on the State Government’s ‘watch list’, with its financial performance being monitored by the Queensland Audit Office and the Queensland Treasury Corporation.
The draft budget also shows the council is expected to generate a surplus of $19.2 million in 2018-2019, below the surplus projected in the current budget of $24.14m.
The proposed capital works program for the region for 2018-2019 is worth $45.73m, up $4.22m on the current year.
Other upcoming Budget Public Info Sessions…
•
Allora Community Hall, 55 Herbert Street, Allora – Thursday 5 April, from 5:30pm to 7pm.
• Killarney Senior Citizens Centre, 1 Ailanthus Street, Killarney – Tuesday 10 April, from 5:30pm to 7pm.
• Maryvale Hall, 82 Old Oscott Hill, Maryvale – Thursday 12 April, from 5:30pm to 7pm.
• Stanthorpe Civic Centre Supper Room, 61 Marsh Street, Stanthorpe – Tuesday 17 April, from 5:30pm to 7pm.
• Wallangarra School of Arts, Merinda Street, Wallangarra – Tuesday 19 April, from 5:30pm to 7pm.
View the draft budget online at www.sdrc.qld.gov.au
