Surplus on agenda as rates rise

DOUGLAS Shire Council residents will cop a 3.9 per cent average general rates rise as the council pushes ahead with a record capital works budget.

Mayor Julia Leu handed down the 2017-18 budget yesterday, with the council on track to achieve a budget surplus within two years.

Major capital works investments over the next 12 months include more than $10.6 million for water treatment infrastructure, including the construction of the new Port Douglas reservoir ($8.4 million), almost $3.2 million for civil works (including $1.2 million for road reseal program) and about $2 million for sewerage upgrades.

“Due to under-investment in our water and sewerage infrastructure prior to the establishment of the new Douglas Shire Council in 2014, this council has had to bite the bullet and significantly invest in these assets,” Cr Leu said.

“The average Residential 1 Category weekly rates increase has been restricted to an additional $2.03 per week, which provides council with the revenue required to fund our significant capital works investments and maintain and improve services for our communities.”