McKinlay Shire Council says it has carefully considered the need to maintain strong financial management whilst maintaining services and delivering for community in its 2018/2019 budget.
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McKinlay Mayor Belinda Murphy said the council nominated an above CPI rates rise of 3%, which was required in order for the Council to maintain a strong position and meet rising costs.
“The rise will be a modest increase in revenue of $30,999 bringing the total rates revenue to $2,962,820,” Cr Murphy said.
“Tthe special rate levy for Dog Baiting will be charged this financial year due to lack of funding programs and all the previously collected amounts under this special levy having been expended on this program last financial year.”
The Operational budget proposed will see revenue of $21,753,973 and expenditure of $21,162,629 and provide for a positive cash position of $591,344.
Cr Murphy said the roads maintenance allocation was $1,230,000 with a NDRRA 2018 flood event lodged.
“A modest $5.2 million has been included from a possible claim of approximately $28 million which is yet to be approved,” she said.
“The budget contains a new Community Plan and also Early Years Hub Business Case and Detailed Design covering care for children from babies through to primary school. Both of these planning items are funding dependent which is yet to be approved.”
The Mayor they were adopting new plans in Economic Development and Tourism while the Capital Works proposed has revenue of $3,310,983 and expenditure of $8,411,787.
“Projects included are Julia Creek Housing Project, Town Wi-Fi, Julia Creek Sewage Treatment Plant and upgrades to Council infrastructure and plant as detailed in the budget document,” she said. “Some capital works projects included for which funding is yet to be approved are further works on the McKinlay-Gilliat Road, Innovation Hub and the internal fit out of the Community Events Precinct.
Cr Murphy said capital expenditure on roads focused on new sealing works on the primary network including Neila-Bunda, Gilliat-McKinlay and Punchbowl Roads.
”This budget ensures good financial management is maintained along with continued capital improvements to primary roads and infrastructure as well as future planning,” she said.
Derek Barry
Editor of the North West Star Mount Isa since January 2016. Prior to that, an editor at several regional southern Queensland newspapers. Passionate about telling local stories. Comes with a strange accent to due an Irish accident of birth.
Editor of the North West Star Mount Isa since January 2016. Prior to that, an editor at several regional southern Queensland newspapers. Passionate about telling local stories. Comes with a strange accent to due an Irish accident of birth.
