The newly-appointed Noosa Council failed to deliver the previous Council’s promise to consult with the community on the 2020-21 Budget.
Councillor’s at last Thursday’s Ordinary Meeting voted unanimously to defer community feedback until the budget review in November and consultation until the 2021-22 Budget.
Councillors blamed the COVID-19 pandemic for forcing “a rethink on a much wider consultation process” and the need to adopt the budget on July 10 to maximise interest earnings.
“Unfortunately given much of the focus has and continues to be about dealing with the coronavirus pandemic, it was impractical to conduct an extensive consultation process involving business, residents and community groups for the 20-21 budget,” Mayor Clare Stewart said.
“But there’s still a strong commitment from all councillors to get community views in the most meaningful and measured way that provides tangible outcomes.”
Cr Stewart said the budget processes normally start in November but the new Council began work on it in May and there was not the opportunity to engage with the community.
However Cr Brian Stockwell said work on the budget did start in November but it was thrown in the wastebasket in February.
Cr Stewart said Council would have more clarity on finances in the next financial year to understand the repercussions of the coronavirus.
She said the community would have the opportunity to provide feedback in October for inclusion in the budget review in November 2020.
“If there’s an allocation of additional funding, we’re keen to hear what areas the community would like those funds directed to,” she said
“Conversely, if there’s less income due to COVID, we will ask the community what services or expenditure should be reduced.”
A further part to the community engagement centres on seeking input on the type of process the community considers as appropriate for future budgets.
“There are a myriad of ways we could engage with the community, but it’s important to establish a process that is driven by the community.” Cr Stewart said.
