Budget for a bigger and better Rockhampton

Published on 26 June 2018

A sixth consecutive surplus has been unveiled today with Mayor Margaret Strelow handing down the draft 2018-19 Rockhampton Regional Council Budget.

Mayor Margaret Strelow said this year’s Budget struck the right balance between responsible, strong financial management and building a bigger and better Rockhampton.

“The Draft Budget presented today is the culmination of years of hard work, tough decisions and responsible financial management,” Mayor Strelow said.

“This year’s underlying surplus of $2.2 million is the sixth year in a row we’ve been in the black and the long-term forecasts show a surplus of at least $1 million each year for the next decade.

“The centrepiece of the Budget is a record $131.2 million Capital Works Program which balances big ticket economic projects with essential infrastructure and includes our own funding as well anticipated grant funding to build the major projects.

“It includes $64 million for the South Rockhampton Flood Levee and $31.5 million for the Art Gallery over the next three years as well as $4.6 million for the Hockey Redevelopment and $2.9 million for the Fraser Park redevelopment.

“In order to continue delivering essential infrastructure across the region we’ve committed $41.4 million on roads, bridges, drainage and footpaths, and $14.4 million on water and sewerage infrastructure across the region.

“The reason we have been able to set the bar so high is because we have been responsible with our finances - in the past five years, we have paid down $36.5 million in debt alone.

“We know that cost of living continues to be an issue which is why the average residential rate rise will be 2.9%. In order to cover the increased pressure on global recycling, another 1% increase will see Council continue to deliver the same standard of recycling for our communities.

“Last year Council delivered a Budget which laid the foundations for economic growth, increased visitor numbers, more private sector investment and more local jobs.

“We have seen the green shoots in the economy and this Budget builds on that momentum to deliver Council’s vision for a bigger and better Rockhampton,” Mayor Strelow said.

In line with the Local Government Act 2009 the 2018/19 Draft Budget is due to be adopted next month.