Budget 24-25: Sensible, measured approach consolidates sustainable financial foundation

Mayor Frank Wilkie says the 2024-25 budget consolidates council’s sustainable financial foundation after record high cost increases in recent years, to deliver the many community projects set out in the Corporate Plan. 

Noosa Council today adopted the 2024-25 budget.

"This is a responsible, measured budget that allows our staff and contractors to push ahead with completing what’s already committed to. The record cost increases in recent years continue to affect many projects, so we’ve taken a sensible, pragmatic approach to our spending this year. "

The average residential ratepayer will pay an extra $1.82 a week on their total rates notice, including levies and charges.

The average owner-occupier will pay $910 half yearly.

“This equates to an overall 5.5 per cent increase – similar to last year and in line with many other councils across the southeast,” he said.

“We want to ease cost pressures where we can, while continuing to maintain assets and services plus provide essential community initiatives and programs,” Cr Wilkie said.

There’s been a freeze on three levies – Environment, Sustainable Transport and Heritage.

Council has implemented a number of measures to help the most vulnerable and tackle the housing shortage.

“We have reduced the rates for Granny Flats that provide essential housing for families and workers, while maintaining the 5 per cent early payment discount,”

“These decisions aim to offer help where it’s most needed in the current economic climate,” Cr Wilkie said.

A new Hardship Policy is in place, to support those in need who can least afford to pay rates. No interest is charged on overdue rates if the property owner meets the eligibility criteria.

Council has retained the full rebate of $230 per year for all pensioners, whether they are a single or couple to ensure equity for all eligible pensioners.

“We acknowledge that any rate increase is an impact to the hip pocket, but like all businesses, we continue to face the same cost pressures and supply chain issues, in some cases facing up to a 30 per cent jump in costs, particularly for goods such as construction materials,” he said.

“The $184 million budget focuses on key services and projects and improving liveability, which includes a $45 million Capital Works program. This is on top of an existing $100 million flood reconstruction program.

“That’s a total of $145 million to be delivered by this council to build and renew infrastructure, rebuild damaged assets and provide much-needed resilience to hinterland communities, impacted by the 2022 floods,”

Cr Wilkie said most of this work is funded by state and federal grants.

“Considered a business-as-usual budget, it has a strong focus on efficient service and project delivery,” he said.

Cr Wilkie said like the 2020 budget, a compressed timeframe coupled with the induction of a new council prevented any formal community engagement on the budget and initiatives.

“It is not a legislated requirement, and we are very aware of our community views through a range of engagement activities, and this council remains committed to continually listening and being responsive to the shire’s needs,” he said.