Council listens to ratepayers

A LOT of this year’s Cairns Regional Council budget has stemmed from the council’s Our Cairns survey which asked ratepayers and residents what they wanted from their local authority.

It is noted that this council genuinely listens to the people who generates its income and delivers some of their wishes and wants.

“Our Cairns” was highlighted throughout Mayor Bob Manning’s budget speech: “... our residents place a very high value on our natural assets and being able to enjoy our environment through recreational activities”.

Community projects are part of this year’s $169 million capital works program, including sporting facilities, cycling and walking trails, playgrounds, the Esplanade and more free wi-fi hot spots. The council has listened to the call for a safer city with $2 million to upgrade and expand CCTV technology and the network and $2.5 million on providing security services.

The new corporate plan “very much reflects the values and aspirations that the community expressed through the Our Cairns survey” with five strategic themes of the economy, natural assets, livability, community and culture and serving the community.

The council has responded to suggestions to reopen the Courthouse Hotel, which it bought as an extension to the regional gallery.

It will lease part of it to an operator to run a restaurant/cafe, generate some income and keep the historic building alive until final plans are decided upon.

Yes, there is a modest rate raise of about 1.75 per cent and, after this year’s $7.3 million surplus, councillors are aiming for another in the new financial year too. Nick Dalton nick.dalton@news.com.au