CAIRNS BUDGET Tough choices lauded by pair
THE best-laid plans of mice and mayors often go awry during turbulent economic times — and this current situation is a doozy.
Cairns Regional Council has faced the unenviable task of drawing up a budget with the constant spectre of a potential COVID-19 outbreak howling from behind every wall.
Deputy Mayor Terry James said the council knew it had to be flexible and fast while maintaining rigorous dedication to getting allocated money out the door.
“It will be a tough call to get it done … but the community needs it,” he said.
“We’ve got COVID-19 plans in place and we’ve had them for a while.
“We know we’re going to have to be very nimble on our feet, so we will watch that very carefully.
“If we do have to go back into a lockdown, and that’s the last thing we want … obviously it will throw a few of the plans into disarray. But we will continue to spend that money and keep the city going.”
The public gallery at the council’s special budget meeting included two familiar faces, stationed with a social distance-mandated six seats between them and other humans.
Long-serving former Cairns mayors Ron Davis (1979-88) and Kevin Byrne (1992-95 and 2000-08) both commended the council for handing down a solid budget during an extraordinary moment in history.
“You cannot hold the budget without any (rates) increase because your costs go up every year,” Mr Davis said.
“For people to object to a small increase like that, which is about a dollar a week, is a bit crazy.”
Mr Byrne said the plan was responsible and suitable to the circumstances.
“It was a typical Unity budget,” he said.
“They did their balance everything.
“They couldn’t this year, and that’s obvious, but I think it’s very responsible.” best to