Have a say in Council’s Budget priorities

Here’s your chance to show how you would determine Council’s budget spending priorities and “balance the budget” during a month-long community consultation process. 

Council is seeking residents’ input on budget spending priorities during a month-long community consultation process.

Noosa Council is among a handful of councils in Australia to use the “balancing act” budget online simulation tool as part of its engagement process.

The easy to use online portal gives residents the opportunity to submit their views on spending priorities and initiatives while ensuring the budget is balanced by either increasing revenue or cutting costs in other areas.

Noosa Mayor Clare Stewart said the feedback would be pivotal in shaping such a challenging 21-22 budget.

“We are still working through the impacts of COVID so it’s hoped this community consultation will help residents understand the challenges we face,” she said.

“The “balancing act” participatory tool will hopefully educate our community on the Council budget process.

“It’s really a chance for ratepayers to sit in a Councillor’s shoes during the process, determine their spending priorities, as well as juggle competing demands to ensure the budget is balanced.”

The online engagement runs during March and will be complemented by a series of Councillor-led face to face sessions with local residents in early April.

“We are hoping to get as many people involved. It’s important that our community comes on the journey to better understand how the budgeting process works.

“It also gives us critical information on what are the spending priorities for the community,” Cr Stewart said.

Cr Stewart said councillors are determined to be as open and collaborative during the budget process.

“It’s not possible to fund everything but we remain focussed on delivering existing services and continuing to provide community support for the entire shire,” she said.

Have your say before March 29 via Council's YourSay Noosa website.