THE new-look Southern Downs Regional Council’s first budget, adopted this week, will include a $22.7 million capital works program for projects including upgrades to the Warwick Aerodrome and Stanthorpe’s early flood warning system.
Southern Downs mayor Tracy Dobie said she was pleased to deliver the 2016/2017 annual budget on behalf of the council and the community.
“This budget is financially responsible. It has been developed in line with the council’s Long Term Financial Plan, and we have been able to maintain a four per cent general rate rise, along with the discount of 7.5 per cent on the general rate,” she said.
“Balances have been struck between working towards our long-term financial sustainability, delivering value for money services and investing in, and developing the Southern Downs as a great place to live, work and unwind.
“The council has a key focus on attracting new businesses, new residents and new visitors to the region, to stimulate our local economies, to create new jobs, and to grow our population into the future.
“To support this, we’re investing in our future by providing much needed assets including water, wastewater and waste infrastructure.
“The council will deliver a $22.7 million capital works program to ensure the region’s infrastructure assets are not only maintained, but improved, to meet increasing demand for these services.
“This capital funding is made up of $13.9 million from general revenue, $7.8 million coming from the council’s success in leveraging a number of State and Federal government capital works grants, and the balance of $929,500 from other capital sources.
“The council is committed to continuous improvement, and we will review the services we deliver to the community on a quarterly basis, to identify further areas for savings and efficiencies.
“For the first time, the new budget process undertaken this year provided the opportunity to the Southern Downs community to review and provide input about the draft budget.
“So, this is a budget that belongs, not only to the council, but importantly, to our community, and I thank everyone that attended the information sessions, and provided submissions and presentations to the council.
“I also want to thank our very dedicated staff across all areas of the organisation and particularly chief executive officer David Keenan, finance and information technology manager Andrew Page and the finance team for their work in delivering today’s budget.
“This is a budget that aims to minimise the impact on the hip pocket while continuing to build and strengthen the communities of the Southern Downs,” Cr Dobie said.
Expenditure highlights:
* $500,000 for Stanthorpe Aerodrome safety improvements.
* $500,000 for Warwick Aerodrome safety improvements.
* $82,000 for Mt Marlay Scenic Lookout upgrade.
* $145,000 for Stanthorpe Flood Early Warning System upgrade.
* $50,000 for Warwick Saleyards safety improvements – Stage 3.
* $150,000 for Stanthorpe Outdoor Burial Wall – Stage 2.
* $3.9 million on plant replacements.
* $900,000 for new Clarifier at the Warwick Water Treatment Plant.
* $350,000 for watermain growth extension – High Street, Stanthorpe, to Applethorpe – Stage 2.
* $230,000 for watermain renewals across region.
* $350,000 for valve and hydrant renewals across region.
* $350,000 for watermain upgrade golf links Warwick.
* $66,000 for wastewater main renewals.
* $100,000 for wastewater main relining.
* $125,000 for raw water valve replacement – Connolly Dam.
* $1.4 million for road reseals across region.
* $1.5 million for gravel re-sheeting across region.
* $2.92 million on bridge replacement and special bridge works across region.
* $1.28 million for road safety improvements under the Black Spot Program across the region.
* $31,000 for replacement of parts of Wild Dog Fences across region.
* $150,000 to upgrade one waste transfer station.
* $12.66 million for road maintenance across region.
* $547,000 for saleyards operations and maintenance.
* $901,000 for cemeteries operations and maintenance.
