REMEMBER WHEN

GOLD COAST BULLETIN Tuesday June 27, 2000

CAPITAL works programs worth $143 million dominated the 2000-01 Gold Coast City Council Budget with rates to increase 4 per cent on top of the introduction of a user-pays water policy.

The record $430 million Budget included almost $31 million for major roadworks, a $12 million upgrade of wastewater treatment plants and $20 million for the city’s Open Space Acquisition program to acquire 1400ha of land over the next two years.

Funding for the open space project came from a $22 annual levy included on rate notices.

Deputy Mayor and finance chairman Alan Rickard said the Gold Coast had enjoyed the lowest rates among comparable Queensland councils for almost a decade and this Budget continued that trend.

“With the CPI (consumer price index) projected to increase by around 5.5 per cent, this council has kept its increase to 4 per cent, still well below the predicted lift in the CPI,’’ Councillor Rickard said.

“Council continues to deliver a low rates regimen while delivering good effective services to help communities function better …”

However, residential ratepayers would pay up to $20 extra on their annual water bill with the introduction of a userpays pricing policy.

Council adopted its biggest capital expenditure program which Mr Rickard said focused on projects fundamental to maintaining the Gold Coast’s lifestyle, but also would deliver high-quality services and create jobs.

Mr Rickard continued to serve on the council until he retired in 2004.