Sensible budget in pandemic

YESTERDAY’S budget handed down by the Townsville City Council wasn’t groundbreaking but at first look it seems sensible for a region affected by a pandemic.

The council, like many businesses, has been hit hard by COVID-19 yet the general rate has been frozen in an effort to keep a lid on extra costs for families.

Saying that, the average household will be hit with an extra bill of about $50 a year after increases in water, wheelie bin and landfill charges.

A positive move is the investment of $221.9 million in infrastructure to support local jobs and a further $15 million for a COVID-19 support package.

Mayor Jenny Hill said the budget was fiscally responsible and would help the city recover from the devastation of the COVID-19 global pandemic.

She said the $648.8 million budget was sensible and conservative.

The other winner, in a shake-up of rating categories, is the CBD.

After the consolidation of 31 categories to 23, owners of CBD property could see a rate reduction of up to 50 per cent.

It’s a move that could invigorate the CBD.

You only have to walk up Flinders St to see the number of vacant shops and the need for change in the area.

What we are yet to see is the effect the move has on other businesses outside the CBD.

If CBD rates are expected to go down by half, can other businesses in other suburbs expect similar increases?

It’s an issue that will play out as the next round of rate notices is delivered.

Overall the budget seems fair, especially in a year like no other.

The full effects of the COVID-19 downturn are still yet to play out and the council may need to step up further if the jobless rate hits historic highs.

Thankfully, yesterday there was good news with the Queensland borders reopened.

Let’s hope Townsville is through the worst of it.