Burdekin rates on rise
Council announces 2.5% increase in ‘responsible budget’
BURDEKIN property owners will have to fork out extra on their rates after the council announced a 2.5 per cent increase in the 2022/23 budget.
Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Lyn Mclaughlin said the budget included a range of projects to benefit residents across the region.
“In delivering the 2022/23 budget, council recognised the ongoing effects of the pandemic on businesses and individuals, with a modest increase to enable the Burdekin Shire to continue to be an enviable local government area in which to live, work, play, visit and invest,” Ms Mclaughlin said.
“This budget is truly about empowering and enhancing our region; from investments in the continuation of Smart Hub Burdekin to build business confidence, and the continuation of the Our Town Our Future program, which will assist council in developing community action plans for additional localities including Rita Island and Jarvisfield, through to the continuation of works on the Burdekin Water Park, which will include construction of a new kiosk and entry to the
Ayr Swimming Pool.” The Burdekin’s domestic waste service charge will also increase by $10 to $488 and the water access charge will increase by $17 to $577.
The council has also introduced a $30 aquatic facilities charge to fund maintenance and operating costs associated with the region’s aquatic facilities.
“Council acknowledges the cost-of-living pressures, and as such has kept the general rate increase to a minimum and have increased the pensioner remission to $380,” Ms Mclaughlin said.
“That said, council is also not immune to cost increases with prices of fuel, electricity, material required for construction and more all impacted.”
The mayor said the council had delivered a “responsible budget delivered during difficult economic times”, and it was the council’s responsibility to “not only deliver essential services but commence or continue community-changing projects”.
Ms Mclaughlin said the rate rise was “significantly lower than the current CPI inflation rate”.