A modest operating surplus and general rate rise for most ratepayers were the cornerstones of the Noosa Council budget, handed down on Wednesday.
Mayor Clare Stewart said the budget represented council’s commitment to deliver on community priorities in an affordable, responsible manner.
“Through our community consultation on the budget, it was evident that residents wanted more funds directed to infrastructure, community initiatives and the environment,” she said.
“We are in a unique post-crisis environment and this budget certainly takes that into account.”
Council is forecasting a surplus of $309,000, a year earlier than predicted as part of its four-year COVID-19 Recovery Plan.
Seventy-five per cent of Noosa ratepayers will see a general rate increase of no more than the Consumer Price Index of 1.5%.
When including all rates and charges an average residential property owner can expect a total increase in their rates notice of $44, equivalent to about 85 cents a week.
Council is maintaining the current 5% discount period on general rates.
“We have maintained our discount for eligible pensioners and scrapped the three-year wait for new property owners to qualify for the pensioner discount,” Mayor Stewart said.
She said the past 12 months had been challenging, but council had continued to respond in an appropriate and financially responsible way.
An extensive review of rating categories had been conducted to produce a more equitable system across the shire for all ratepayers.
“We have introduced a category for transitionary accommodation or short-stay properties which addresses the impact guests of these properties have on the demand for council services and infrastructure,” Mayor Stewart said.
“We are making the tough decision to meet the growing needs of our community.”
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The Sustainable Transport Levy is back at pre-COVID levels, while the Environment Levy increases to $8 and the Heritage Levy is up $3.50. Both are still below pre-COVID levels.
A new Bushfire Resilience and Response Levy will fund a doubling of hazard reduction burns and increase fire trail maintenance across the shire.
One of the initiatives is a $2 million commitment for the Peregian Beach Digital Hub Fire Tech Living Lab. There’s also more funding for back-burns and creating new fire access trails across the shire.
“During the pandemic, we invested heavily in the community and this budget builds on that investment,” Cr Stewart said.
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There is a 10% increase in the community grants program, an additional community development officer to be employed and a $276,000 boost in funding for environment levy initiatives.
“Considering the challenges we have faced, I am incredibly proud to be delivering a budget of this calibre.
“We have put a focus on delivering tangible outcomes for our community, providing grassroots-style projects that will make a difference to the lives of our residents,” Cr Stewart said.
Noosa budget key notes
- $47 million Capital Works program, which includes stage 1 of the Tewantin Bypass
- $7.5 million to replace seven bridges across the shire
- $500,000 for an additional weigh-bridge at the Noosaville Waste Facility
- $1.5 million to upgrade the Pomona section of the Noosa Hinterland Recreation Trail
- $2.52 million for ongoing tourism promotion in the shire
- $5.3 million for road resurfacing and gravel road re-sheeting
- $636,000 to implement initiatives in the new Walking and Cycling Strategy
- $260,000 for ongoing management of the Noosa River
