22 July 2020
At
the Wednesday 22 July Special Council Meeting, the Southern Downs Regional
Council adopted the 2020/21 Budget.
This
much anticipated Budget has been the topic of discussion within the media and
throughout the community. In part because the Southern Downs and Granite Belt
have been hit hard by drought, bushfire, and most recently, the COVID-19 global
pandemic. But also because this is the first budget to be released by the newly
elected Councillors. This Budget sets the direction for Council for the coming
12 months.
This
Budget showcases Councillors’, Council’s, and the community’s focus on
supporting residents as the region heals and rebuilds.
Southern
Downs Regional Council Mayor Vic Pennisi said that the budget was a
collaboration between Councillors, staff, and the community that reflected the
vision for upcoming 12 months.
“Councillors
and staff have worked exceptionally hard to ensure that this budget includes as
many projects to stimulate businesses within the region while still remaining
modest and fiscally responsible,” said Mayor Vic Pennisi.
“Our
challenge has been in balancing a conservative budget with the need to
stimulate our local economy and provide new infrastructure.
“Additionally,
Council has heard a record number of community submissions. This year we
received and reviewed 55 submissions from residents and community groups. Last
year by comparison, we had 43 submissions. It is really great to see the
community getting involved in this process.”
The
2020/21 Budget includes a zero percent rate rise for the first six months of
the 2020/21 financial year, planned new and upgraded infrastructure in our
smaller communities and townships, and one of the largest Capital Works
Programs of $42.18m.
In
response to the pandemic, Council also released a raft of economic initiatives
in April to relieve financial pressure on the community as part of a
multi–pronged approach to support the region’s recovery.
The
first stage of COVID-19 Economic Relief Package offered immediate relief on rates,
fees and charges to support residents and local businesses.
The
2020/21 Annual Budget can be found on Council’s website at www.sdrc.qld.gov.au.
For
more information on Council news, visit www.sdrc.qld.gov.au/news.
Alternatively, call 1300 MY SDRC (1300 697 372), email mail@sdrc.qld.gov.au, or
use the MySDRC app.