First surplus in years

Ratepayers to pay 3.9 per cent increase in $58.4m annual budget

l MOSSMAN | Nick Dalton

DOUGLAS Shire Council has delivered a $58.4 million budget for 2023-24 with a 3.9 per cent increase or $49 a year for the majority of ratepayers.

Mayor Michael Kerr said the council would also record its first surplus since the 2014 deamalgamation of $257,000 in 2023-24.

The budget was passed unanimously on Tuesday although deputy mayor Cr Lisa Scomazzon cautioned ratepayers about the surplus.

She said it had been bolstered by the Federal Government’s Financial Assistance Grant of $4.33m.

Cr Scomazzon said that had provided the “pretty good surplus” but she was concerned that it would not be as healthy in future years.

“Next year it might not be so rosy without the grant,” she said.

Cr Kerr said there was uncertainty about how much the Financial Assistance Grant would be next year and into the future.

“We don’t have a crystal ball. The Financial Assistance

Grant will continue to come but how it comes will never be the same,” he said. Cr Kerr said the forecast surplus was despite the impacts of COVID, the effects of the Ukraine war and other financial pressures.

He said the rate increase was below the Consumer Price Index of 7.4 per cent and better than some other councils (Cairns was 5.99 per cent and Cassowary Coast 4.75 per cent).

Ratepayers with an investment property face an increase of $144 per year (category 5 property).

“I believe that we have managed to get the best result we can to keep the broader general rate for residents as low as possible whilst committing to maintaining service levels,” Cr Kerr said.

He said there would be significant investment in roads, paths and bridges as well as in water ($3.6 million) and wastewater ($1.7m).

Cr Kerr said the council was operating responsibly during tough financial times.

“Council has no borrowings and is debt free at a time of rising interest rates,” he said.

“We are currently receiving good interest returns on invest- ments which is also contributing to today’s positive result.

“The cost of building materials has increased dramatically in the past 12 months but through responsible spending and by resourcing grants for infrastructure projects we have managed to keep spending at a manageable level. The rising cost of living is impacting us all and, like our ratepayers, council is operating within its means. The 2023/2024 budget reflects our commitment to progress, sustainability, and the well-being of our community as we continue to build our culture, preserve our environment, and engage in our future.”

For more details visit: https://douglas.qld.gov.au/council-information/ annual-budget/annual-budget-2023-2024/

Mobile Phone Ban

l FAR NORTH

MOBILE phones and certain wearable electronic devices like smartwatches will be banned at all Queensland state schools during school hours – including break times - from the first term next year.

Education Minister Grace Grace said from term 1, 2024, mobile phones would need to be ‘away for the day’ in all Queensland state schools.

“Under our existing policy, almost all our state schools have implemented some kind of ban on the use of mobile phones, and they have been fully supported to do so,” she said.

“This statewide ban will provide uniformity, extend bans to break times, and include certain wearable devices like smartwatches.

“We are always happy to take a fresh look at things. The progression of technology and proliferation of wearable electronic devices meant it was time to do a review.

“As has been the case for many years, principals who want to introduce or update bans before next year can do so.”

Students will still be able to bring phones to school so that they can contact their parents or carers immediately before or after school hours. Exemptions will also be available for digital learning opportunities or in specific circumstances.