Budget reflects cost rises
AS THE cost of living bites across the country, residents in the North Burnett won’t be receiving any relief in their rates bill, with costs set to increase substantially and discounts for paying early slashed.
The North Burnett Regional Council 2022/23 budget was adopted on Monday, with the document featuring big increases to rates and charges, while cutting services and discounts to stem rising costs.
Mayor Les Hotz described the budget’s priority as “essential service delivery and getting the basics right”, but it’s ratepayers who will likely feel the worse for wear.
Both rates and utility charges, which include sewerage and water, will all increase by 5 per cent in the new financial year. This is on top of rateable household’s contribution to the Local Disaster Management levy jumping from $6 to $15.
The council described the decision to raise rates and charges as a “responsible” choice to offset rising costs as well as the impact of financial assistance grants for the council being cut by seven per cent.
Discounts on rates paid before the due date will also be slashed, with those choosing to pay off their rates bill in full and early seeing their discount cut in half from 10 per cent to just 5 per cent.
Budget documents show the council forecasts a total income of $62,211,737 over the next financial year, with expenditure forecast to hit $45,529,164.
This leaves the budget with a $16,682,573 surplus.
Roads will receive a significant investment this financial year, with Mayor Hotz describing them as “critical North Burnett infrastructure”.
The sealed road network will see $1.58m of resealing works, while the council has also committed $1.87m for gravel resheeting works.
“With recent floods, our bridges have been particularly affected, requiring significant repair, so we are committing $982,000 for bridge refurbishment works,” Cr Hotz said.
“We have made provision for the ongoing upgrade of affected roads in our region, including $1m towards Abercorn Rd and $573,000 towards Hawkwood Rd works.”
There has also been $3.4m set aside for Biggenden streetscape upgrades and $3.7m for the Mundubbera landfill expansion.