The
CLERMONT RAG Community Newsletter Friday August 04, 2017
Balancing act delivers $97 million Capital Works budget Ratepayers are set for a 0.5 per cent rate rise as Isaac Regional Council is determined to build a better future as it hands down its $97 million Capital Works Budget. Mayor Anne Baker said Council is focus on delivering on more than 140 key infrastructure and capital works projects over the next 12 months.
“Council provided Isaac ratepayers a 12-month deferral last year to prepare for the introduction of the water charges,” Mayor Baker said.
“We understand the economic realities for our region and the potential impact to our ratepayers, residents and businesses,” Mayor Baker said.
“I encourage ratepayers to visit www.isaac.qld.gov.au/water-charges for more information on this new system.”
“Council has a responsibility to financially manage our communities.
Mayor Baker said on-the-ground in Isaac, communities are still recovering from Tropical Cyclone Debbie’s devastating impact.
“As a geographically large regional council with a small ratepayer base, we are asked to do more with less. “We have worked hard to keep general rates, waste and sewerage charges limited to 0.5 per cent. “Providing critical roads, drainage, water, sewerage and resource recovery infrastructure and preparing for disasters continues to be our top priority. “And at the same time, we are mindful of keeping any rate increases to a minimum.” Mayor Baker said it is now time to deliver the two-part water charges to comply with the Local Government Act 2009.
“Make no mistake, it will be a long road to full recovery. Council will continue to look at ways to support our hardest hit communities while working with various agencies,” she said. “It’s still a very distressing time for those who have suffered losses due to this natural disaster. “The post-Debbie clean-up has shown that Council needs to invest more to prepare for future disaster events. “The Disaster Management Levy has risen from $12.20 to $20.”
continued over page Isaac... helping to energise the world