Noosa Council says it has delivered a “sensible” $184 million budget, with a Hardship Policy to support those who can least afford to pay rates.
Mayor Frank Wilkie said the 2024-25 budget consolidates Noosa Council’s financial foundation after record cost increases in recent years.
“This is a responsible, measured budget that allows our staff and contractors to push ahead with completing what’s already committed to,” he said.
“The record cost increases in recent years continue to affect many projects, so we’ve taken a sensible, pragmatic approach to our spending this year.
The average residential ratepayer will pay an extra $1.82 a week on their total rates notice, including levies and charges.
The average owner-occupier will pay $910 half yearly.
“This equates to an overall 5.5 per cent increase – similar to last year and in line with many other councils across the southeast,” Mr Wilkie said.
“We want to ease cost pressures where we can, while continuing to maintain assets and services plus provide essential community initiatives and programs.”
There’s been a freeze on three levies: Environment, Sustainable Transport and Heritage.
Like stories that inform, connect and celebrate the Sunshine Coast? So do we. Join an independent local news revolution by subscribing to our FREE daily news feed at the bottom of this article.
Council has also implemented a number of measures to help the most vulnerable, and to tackle the housing shortage.
“We have reduced the rates for granny flats that provide essential housing for families and workers, while maintaining the five per cent early payment discount,” Mr Wilkie said.
“These decisions aim to offer help where it’s most needed in the current economic climate.
A new Hardship Policy is in place to support those in need, who can least afford to pay rates.
No interest will be charged on overdue rates if the property owner meets the eligibility criteria.
Council has retained the full rebate of $230 per year for all pensioners, whether they are a single or couple to ensure equity for all eligible pensioners.
“We acknowledge that any rate increase is an impact to the hip pocket, but like all businesses, we continue to face the same cost pressures and supply chain issues, in some cases facing up to a 30 per cent jump in costs, particularly for goods such as construction materials,” Mr Wilkie said.
“The $184 million budget focuses on key services and projects and improving liveability, which includes a $45 million Capital Works program.
“This is on top of an existing $100 million flood reconstruction program.
“That’s a total of $145 million to be delivered by this council to build and renew infrastructure, rebuild damaged assets and provide much-needed resilience to hinterland communities, impacted by the 2022 floods.”
Cr Wilkie said most of this work is funded by state and federal grants.
“Considered a business-as-usual budget, it has a strong focus on efficient service and project delivery,” he said.
Cr Wilkie said, like the 2020 budget, a compressed timeframe coupled with the induction of a new council prevented any formal community engagement on the budget and initiatives.
“It is not a legislated requirement, and we are well aware of our community views through a range of engagement activities, and this council remains committed to continually listening and being responsive to the shire’s needs,” he said.
The Capital Works program features $15.3 million for roads, bridges, and transport infrastructure, and $8.6 million for resource recovery and waste management.
Budget highlights
- $90,000 for lighting and audio-visual equipment upgrades at The J.
- $256,300 to improve local beach access points.
- $62,600 for beach shower renewals.
- $486,900 for this year’s gravel re-sheeting program to improve the shire’s unsealed road network.
- $12,000 for barbecue renewals.
- $102,500 for renewal of park furniture across the shire.
- $500,000 to upgrade the sports field lighting at Sel Bonnel Oval, Cooroy Sports Complex.
- $100,000 to renew Noosaville’s Pirate Playground.
- $520,000 towards the ongoing renewal of the shire’s bus stops to improve accessibility.
- $5.4 million for resealing of sealed roads.
- $1.53 million for the road heavy patching program.
- $100,800 to expand the Wallace Park precinct’s CCTV system.
- $820,000 for Wahpunga (Trail 4) and Woondum (Trail 3) Trail renewal.
Do you have an opinion to share? Submit a Letter to the Editor at Sunshine Coast News via news@sunshinecoastnews.com.au. You must include your name and suburb.
