29 May 2020
In the Friday 29 May 2020 Special Council Meeting, Southern Downs Regional Council adopted its 2020-2021 Draft Budget, delivering the lowest general rate rise in more than a decade.
This Draft Budget will now be made available for community consultation from 29 May 2020 to 12 June 2020. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, Councillors and Council Officers will present the Budget to the community via an online forum drawing attention to the highlights of the Draft Budget that relate to services, capital works and debt management.
Once this period of community consultation is closed, there will be an opportunity for any interested party to present their budget submission to Council.
The draft budget can be found on Council’s website at https://www.sdrc.qld.gov.au/living-here/have-your-say/2020-2021-draft-budget. The draft Revenue Statement and Draft Fees and Charges can be found here: https://www.sdrc.qld.gov.au/council/publications/finance-publications.
Amidst the challenge of COVID-19, staff have faced the challenge of planning for unknown future circumstances surrounding border closures, enforced business closures, low tourism, and many more. However, staff are committed to producing a Draft Budget which continues to meet the community’s needs while still being financially prudent.
General rates will increase by just 1.9% per cent, the lowest rise since 2008, and Council will continue to extend the early payment discount period from 30 to 60 days to assist residents impacted by ongoing drought and COVID-19 conditions.
Utility charges for water, sewer and waste will rise by only 1.9% which is less than the previous increase within the 2019-2020 Financial Year.
In light of the ongoing COVID-19 restrictions, Council will apply a COVID-19 concession of 1.9% to the general rates and all utility charges for water, sewer and waste, effectively delivering a 0% rate rise.
The 2020-21 Draft Budget forecasts an operating surplus of $63,000 and will further reduce Council’s debt by $1.6 million.
Southern Downs Regional Council Mayor Vic Pennisi said the 2020-21 Draft Budget looks towards the region’s future and will build on Council’s strong financial foundation to help the region grow and prosper.
“This Council’s sound financial management and careful planning over the course of the last term means we are able to deliver the lowest rate rise in more than 10 years, and with the COVID-19 concession, it effectively means a 0% rate rise,” Cr Pennisi said.
“A $40.8 million Capital Works Program will maintain and upgrade the region’s ageing infrastructure, investing in our communities for the long-term.
“The Draft Budget strikes a balance between working towards long-term financial stability and delivering the key services and projects the region needs to continue to grow, prosper and reach its full potential.
“Council will also continue to support many community initiatives, including our vibrant arts and events scene, providing funding through our Community Grants Program.”
Council’s improving financial position has also led to Council successfully securing millions in grants and funding that will allow Council to deliver key projects.
“Council channels these grants and government funding into projects that enhance the liveability of the region, while assisting the region to bounce back after the effects seen through the continuing drought and the COIVID-19 pandemic. This funding also encourages more people and businesses to relocate here and invest in the Southern Downs,” Cr Pennisi said.
Council will developed its final Budget after consulting with Southern Downs residents over the coming 14 days and looks forward to receiving budget submissions from the community.
Council will then incorporate the community’s feedback into the 2020-21 Budget which looks at delivering strong financial management and responsible planning while still offering important services and projects.
Feedback on the draft budget can be submitted in Person at either the Stanthorpe or Warwick Administration buildings or online at: https://www.sdrc.qld.gov.au/living-here/have-your-say/2020-2021-draft-budget. Community consultation closes at 5pm 12 June 2020. If you have questions regarding the draft budget or how you can submit your feedback please contact Council on 1300 697 372, by emailing mail@sdrc.qld.gov.au or by the MySDRC app.
Residents can stay up to date with the latest Council news by visiting www.sdrc.qld.gov.au or by liking the Southern Downs Regional Council Facebook page.