A Noosa budget that delivers

Mayor Noel Playford has presented a Noosa budget that he says "faithfully delivers on the Free Noosa promises" made in the de-amalgamation campaign.

He said "This budget is all about keeping faith with the Noosa community.   It's about restoring services, reducing bureaucracy, building and replacing infrastructure for the future, and being fair to ratepayers."

For the first time in Noosa's history there will be no increase in the general rate charged to ratepayers, although some levies and charges will be adjusted to improve cost recovery in particular areas. These changes will soon be fully detailed on the Noosa Council website.

"The only change for most ratepayers will be an additional $9 on each 6 monthly rate notice for kerbside pickup of their waste and recycle bins. On the other hand, the cost of a green waste bin will fall by $5 each 6 months," Mr Playford said.

Mr Playford said that under amalgamation, the minimum general rate had risen to be amongst the top tier for comparable councils in Queensland.  "It's time for a pause for our ratepayers" he said "and we've made sure we can afford it."

The budget;

• Reinstates services lost through amalgamation.
• Makes full provision for replacing infrastructure such as roads and bridges.
• Delivers a dramatically improved capital works program for Noosa Shire.

Mayor Playford said "not only does this budget return the services that Noosa residents had come to expect, but it does so with a small operational surplus and it meets the test for financial sustainability."

The mayor said he's proud of the big picture painted by his budget.  "It delivers on the promises made, and will continue to do so in the years ahead.  We're determined that the Noosa of tomorrow will be one that looks and feels well cared for, not a rundown shire with ageing infrastructure and second-rate services."

The 10 year forecast shows that debt can be reduced and cash reserves increased with rate rises held within CPI.

Mr Playford said "If that was your household budget, you would clearly see it's going in the right direction."

Some other highlights of 2014/15 budget;

Capital injection:  A dramatic increase in the capital works program to $23-million dollars, more than double the expenditure planned for Noosa under the amalgamated council.

Road resealing: $8-million to begin restoring our roads to their condition before amalgamation.

Renewal of infrastructure:  The asset sustainability ratio is the measure of how well a council provides for the renewal of ageing infrastructure.  This rises to 100%, well above the rate of 70% under amalgamation.

Noosa Biosphere Reserve:  Funding of $250-thousand for projects related to the local economy and environment.

Community Engagement:  Significant funding for initiatives to allow the Noosa community to participate in local decision-making processes.

"I mention that last, but certainly not least" said Mr Playford.  "Community engagement is a key to protecting our lifestyle. The people of Noosa fought to restore this council, and now we are committed to giving them a real say in decisions.   We'll have more on this soon.  As they say, watch this space."

The Council will meet again on Thursday, June 26th, to formally adopt the budget.

Mayor Noel Playford spoke to Annie Gaffney on ABC radio about how Noosa can afford to freeze the level of general rates in this year's budget. Listen here.

18 June 2014