Budget feedback rolls in

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The Mayor hinted at conversations underway with state and federal governments to support council spending.

“This Council has the courage to propose responsible long-term financial strategies that will deliver a significant works program over the next ten years,” he said. “This will include responsible borrowings on infrastructure that provides a rate of return to Council.”

What was described as "a massive" $22M program of works across the region’s extensive road network, which included remediation to infrastructure damaged through three consecutive flood events, was evident in the last financial year.

This was labelled by the Mayor as “an extraordinary body of work for a Council of our size”.

“This Council has also made significant decisions that have progressed a number of key projects for the region including the Stanthorpe Library and Art Gallery redevelopment, the Warwick Saleyards redevelopment, important tourism infrastructure such as the Warwick Dragstrip and expanding access to recycled water for a number of sporting clubs,” Mayor Pennisi said.

“Water security remains firmly in our sights and with the proposed Toowoomba to Warwick pipeline closer to being realised, steps must be taken now to cement the pricing structure for water that promotes water conservation.”

Also on the water front is a smart meter technology rollout which will cover the entire region after successful 'pilots' in Stanthorpe, and additionally, further remediation works at the Connolly Dam storage.

Draft Capital Works budget breakdown is:

1. $33.8M on roads, bridges, drainage, kerb and channel, shoulder sealing, and bus stops

2. $12M on water infrastructure

3. $2.9M on waste infrastructure

4. $8.5M on improving the wastewater network

5. $21M on community, sport, cultural and tourism projects

6. $1M on staff housing, land development and IT

Public consultation closes at 5pm on Thursday June 22. Following this period, Council will review submissions at an Information Session on 28 June, prior to adopting the budget on Wednesday 12 July.