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Budget 2018-19

By June 18, 2018July 2nd, 2018No Comments

Describing it as conservative, Mayor Tom Gilmore said the Budget underpins Council policy and direction and provides the community an insight into Council’s immediate and long-term objectives.

“Once again, the Mareeba Shire Council presents to the community a balanced Budget,” Cr Gilmore said.

“The Budget is finely attuned to the future direction of our community and staying within the bounds of the community’s capacity to pay.”

Councillor Gilmore said that the rate rise is minimal. “Council has chosen to increase rates in this coming financial year by 2.5% to ensure that services provided to our community are equal to or better than those provided in the past,” Cr Gilmore said.

The $64 million Budget contains over $44 million to cover operations and a capital expenditure of almost $20 million.

Over the next 12 months, Council will invest $12.9 million to improve and maintain roads and bridges across the Shire. Close to $18 million will be spent on water, waste and sewerage – while community facilities, libraries and culture will receive a $4 million boost.

“In this coming year $1.9 million will be expended in Kuranda sourced from the Kuranda Infrastructure Fund as we push to improve and to maintain Kuranda as a premier tourism destination,” Cr Gilmore said.

“Council is also supporting economic growth through a commitment to further improve Ootann Road, expand the Mareeba Industrial Park Precinct and deliver stage 1 of the Mareeba Airport Upgrade.

Councillor Gilmore explained that as a small Council, Mareeba Shire relies heavily on government grants and assistance.

“Council continues to work with both levels of government and acknowledges the contribution and support to deliver services within our community,” Cr Gilmore concluded.