Mount Isa City Council has handed down its $68 million budget for 2017-2018 with an average residential rate rise of 2.9% which Mayor Joyce McCulloch called “modest”.
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Cr McCulloch said the rises were just above CPI and well below the average 5% rise last year.
“The impact on the average residential household is less than $2 a week,” Cr McCulloch said.
“This council is committed to continuously looking to reduce costs and charges and we’re confident we’re headed in the right direction to reduce average rates further in future budgets.”
The mayor said the modest rate rise was great news for those doing it tough.
“Council will continue to provide a rebate of $280 for pensioners in addition to the state government rebate of $200,” she said.
Cr McCulloch said the council’s good financial management meant they could invest in the CBD.
“We intent to give the CBD a solid makeover with new landscaping, upgraded signage, new lightning and much more,” she said.
“We’ll also support local businesses in making their business more competitive.”
The mayor said council wanted to create a liveable city.
“This budget commits $2.7m to upgrading and maintaining our parks and gardens with one million set aside for the family fun and skate park upgrade,” she said.
There will also be $1.4m upgrades to Buchanan Park and $3.3m for the Civic Centre and library.
“There is also $5.3m for our roads, stormwater drainage and footpaths,” she said.
“Another $2.6m has also been allocated to upgrade our vital water network and another $2.6m goes to waste management services.”
Just like last year, no early rate payment discount will be offered.
The mayor also used the meeting to unveil a new economic development strategy, a three year action action plan for jobs and investment to revitalise Mount Isa’s economy.
“More than half a million dollars is being spent this year to implement the strategy,” she said.
“Diversification is the key (but) mining will always be the cornerstone of our economy and we are committed to supporting its ongoing expansion.”
Council said it would form a new coordinating committee with the city’s biggest employer Mount Isa Mines to coordinate economic development as well as settinng a minerals database.
Beyond mining the council will look at intensifying cattle production, developing solar energy farms, investigating gas production, health, education and tourism opportunities and looking at the feasibility of a transport and logistics hub for Mount Isa.