Maintaining existing service levels, providing funds to progress infrastructure projects and remaining mindful of the financial capacity of residents across the region were key challenges faced by Council in formulating its 2015/16 budget to be delivered next Tuesday.
Bundaberg Regional Council Mayor Mal Forman said he was confident residents across the region will recognise that Council has been able to bring down a budget that is reflective of tight financial times but which does not shortcut current service standards and delivery.
“All levels of Government – Federal, State and Local – are finding it increasingly difficult to source funds for projects beyond their day to day operational needs.
“This Council budget to be delivered next Tuesday will fund service deliveries across our traditional areas of roads, water, waste and refuse to the standards expected by the community and still find funds for new initiatives.
“From a Council and community perspective it is unfortunate that we have been unsuccessful to date in securing support from either the State or Federal governments to assist in funding the $24 million multiuse facility planned for the old showgrounds site.
“We are also having to ‘go it alone’ so far in providing the full cost of constructing the $93 million Rubyanna Wastewater Treatment Plant.
“We have not abandoned hope that the State and Federal government will be able to find some financial help for Council to supply these essential projects for our community,” Cr Forman said.
“While these projects are priorities, Council will need to work within the framework of its own financial capabilities to fund them at this stage.”
Cr Forman said the 2015/16 budget will provide new initiatives in areas of community services including our libraries, safety with CCTV camera rollout and more modern IT facilities within Council to better engage with the community in the delivery and receipt of information.
“Parks, roads, natural resources and environmental care are all key areas of funding within the budget.
“Our pensioners are again considered with rate remissions and without detailing at this stage what will be delivered by way of a rate rise, I can say that the budget has been framed in the knowledge that it must reflect the capacity of the community to meet any increase.
The budget will be delivered next Tuesday at10am and the public is welcome to attend.
ENDS