Mount Isa City Council says it has taken on feedback from local businesses, residents and groups about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and will be freezing rates increases in this year's Budget.
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The 2020-21 Council Budget was handed down at a special meeting Wednesday and with a $29.4 million capital works budget Mayor Danielle Slade said it was restrained yet fair.
"This is not the Budget that we wanted as a Council, it's not ideal, but it is definitely the Budget that we need at this time," Cr Slade said.
"Now more than ever, it's crucial for Council to be responsible with its spending and we have achieved that with this year's Budget.
"We have held off on increasing rates and have also frozen the majority of Council fees and charges to assist the community to get through such a difficult and unprecedented period."
Cr Slade said Council had this year prioritised projects and works with external funding sources.
"This year's capital works budget will be 55 percent funded by the Queensland or Australian governments, made possible with Council contributions," she said.
"This will ensure that essential upgrades and maintenance works, as well as big-ticket items such as our new $8.8 million Recycling Initiative, can still go ahead as planned without placing undue pressure on Council's finances."
She said other major projects include the $5.1 million upgrade of the Family Fun Precinct, and $2.94 million to start the rollout of Smart Water Meters across Mount Isa.
"We will be allocating $16.4 million to maintain essential infrastructure and services, such as urban and rural roads, the water and sewerage networks, local parks, green spaces, Outback at Isa, Buchanan Park, the Civic Centre and the Camooweal Town Hall.
The 2020-21 Capital Works Budget includes:
$3.72 million on city and rural roads and pavements
$7 million on city-wide sewer and water infrastructure
$2.24 million for maintenance and upgrades of community facilities including cemeteries, sporting and public amenities
$2 million for plant and machinery
$3.43 million for CBD beautification, footpaths, and parks
$5.75 million for Council's Recycling Initiative
$2.55 million to upgrade the Family Fun Precinct
$2.94 million to begin installing Smart Water Meters across Mount Isa
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