After all the uproar and chaos of Wednesday’s packed house council meeting, Mount Isa City Council has passed its budget intact on Friday in a meeting that lasted just three minutes with hardly a murmur from the small public gallery.
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There was no discussion, Mayor Joyce McCulloch simply read out the budget item and it was passed unanimously, following which the meeting was closed.
The most controversial item in the budget was a major change to the way residents will pay for water and Council say the new system is simplified and low to average water users will pay less.
The new two-part system will include a flat annual access charge with a consumption charge of 87c for each kilolitre of water consumed until to 950,000 litres based on the type of water meter installed.
Council said the average residential ratepayer using 490 kilolitres of water can expect to see a small decrease in charges.
Mayor Joyce McCulloch said the average rate rise would be around three per cent which included water charges.
“We need to deal with the Mount Isa Water Board’s decision to increase its annual fixed water supply charge which has risen by $1.6m to $10.54m,” Cr McCulloch said.
The Mayor said the new water charging system was simpler.
“Low to average water consumers with a 20mm water meter will see a slight saving on their annual rates and charges,” she said.
The budget contains spending of $57.m with council saying they would not undertake any additional borrowing for the next ten years, funding its capital program from government grants, asset sales and tighter operational expenditure.
“The refurbishment of Splashez and Playway Park will beautify and enhance our environment, giving people more incentives to get outdoors and be active,” the Mayor said.
“We also intend to secure funding for free public wifi spots and smart water metering and the budget includes funding for new energy-efficient LED street lighting and additional security cameras at strategic locations around the city.”
The budget has $150,000 to progress the economic development strategy and Council will host a two-day industry forum in Brisbane in November promoting the region.
There is $18 million in the budget for roads and bridges and $6m for water and sewerage including stage one of the Buchanan Park recycled water project.
A $440,000 Works for Queensland grant will help pay for refurbishment to the animal pound which is now council owned.
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.
