EASY ON THE HIP POCKET

WHEN studying budgets the devil is always in the detail. But on the surface, the Gold Coast City Council has delivered what appears to be a responsible blueprint for finances in the coming year.

Ratepayers have to be happy that the rates increase in this $1.5 billion budget has been contained to $1.26 a week, in line with the CPI of 1.8 per cent.

They will be happy that the city is addressing debt, and that funds are being directed at the city’s lifeblood industry of tourism, as well as for protecting our major asset – the beaches – and to help fund the dream of a world-class cultural precinct, for arts and entertainment and for addressing critical transport issues.

The city is spending $96.5 million to honour its commitment to the Commonwealth Games, which will be the biggest event in Australia next year and will boost the Gold Coast’s profile on a global scale.

Ratepayers will raise a quizzical eye though at the $2.5 million allocated for pursuing a cruise ship terminal.

The council keeps financing studies and submissions to government, with those particular costs to ratepayers creeping up.