'Responsible' budget delivers $23.1M capital works program
Noosa Mayor Tony Wellington has presented a “responsible and practical” budget that delivers a $23.1 million capital works program whilst keeping rate rises to a minimum.
The 2016-17 budget sees Council contributing to the $1.7 million required to upgrade two high-priority intersections, one at Hilton Terrace and Ernest Street, and another at Poinciana Avenue and Moorindil Street, Tewantin.
Just under $2 million will also go toward Council’s Rufous Street Precinct development and digital hub at Peregian Beach. Plus, there are allocations to improve Council facilities such as the Leisure Centre and Noosa Aquatic Centre.
A suite of hinterland projects are included in the program, including a sealed bus turnaround facility at Pomona State School where motorist and pedestrian safety has long been a concern.
Overall there are 84 separate projects in the 2016-2017 capital works program.
The draft budget, to be ratified on 29 June, fulfils Cr Wellington’s promise to keep the rate rise to a minimum.
“Waste charges won’t change, but a small increase on the minimum general rating categories will ensure that we continue to maintain our current levels of service,” Cr Wellington said.
“The 1.9% increase to the general rate is based on the Local Government Association of Queensland’s Cost Index which measures the annual increase required to deliver council services each year.
“We are continuing to maintain our existing assets whilst also delivering some new initiatives without the need for a rate rise above the Cost Index,” he said.
Noosa’s Tourism Levy, paid by businesses across the Shire, will be rebadged and will rise slightly to support economic development.
“It will become the Tourism and Economic Levy, and will increase by 5%. The funds going to Tourism Noosa will remain unchanged, with the additional income from the increase – around $170,000 per year – going to fund projects that specifically target economic enhancement,” Cr Wellington said.
“These projects will support Council’s Local Economic Plan, developed last year in consultation with stakeholders and the community.”
The Heritage Levy will increase by $5 – the first increase since its introduction in 2005.
“This will allow us to do more to preserve and promote the Shire’s history and cultural heritage,” Cr Wellington said. “All other levies remain the same as last year.”
Other priorities in the budget include the continued resealing of the Council-controlled sections of Cooroy-Noosa Road, plus safety improvements on David Low Way at Castaways Beach.
The budget also includes additional resources to support our bushcare groups, and a thorough audit of Council’s energy use, which is a key action of the new Emission Reduction Policy and an essential step towards developing a zero emissions target.
“I’d like to thank both my councillor colleagues and our expert staff for all their help in developing what is, I believe, a sensible and highly realistic budget,” the Mayor concluded.
16 June 2016