By JONATHON HOWARD
NOOSA Council mayor Noel Playford has presented the first budget since de-amalgamation, which, he says, is fair and delivers on the “Free Noosa campaign promises”.
For the first time in Noosa’s history, there will be no increase in the general rate charged to ratepayers, although some levies and charges will be adjusted to improve cost recovery in particular areas.
Mayor Playford said that under amalgamation, the minimum general rate had risen to be among the top tier for comparable councils in Queensland.
“It’s time for a pause for our ratepayers, and we’ve made sure we can afford it,” he said.
At a glance, the budget reinstates services lost through amalgamation, makes full provision for replacing infrastructure such as roads and bridges and delivers a dramatically improved capital works program for Noosa Shire.
Mayor Playford said the council’s first budget was all about keeping faith with the Noosa community.
“It’s about restoring services, reducing bureaucracy, building and replacing infrastructure for the future and being fair to ratepayers,” he said.
“The only change for most ratepayers will be an additional $9 on each six monthly rate notice for kerbside pick up of their waste and recycle bins. On the other hand, the cost of a green waste bin will fall by $5 each six months.
“Not only does this budget return the services that Noosa residents had come to expect, but it does so with a small operational surplus and it meets the test for financial sustainability.”
Mayor Playford said he was proud of the big picture painted by his budget.
“It delivers on the promises made, and will continue to do so in the years ahead,” he said.
“We’re determined that the Noosa of tomorrow will be one that looks and feels well cared for, not a rundown shire with ageing infrastructure and second-rate services.”
The 10-year forecast shows that debt can be reduced and cash reserves increased with rate rises held within CPI.
Mr Playford compared the council budget to a household budget, which he said, was clearly going in the right direction.
Noosa Council will meet on Thursday 26 June, to formally adopt the budget.
BUDGET HIGHLIGHTS 2014/15:
1. Capital injection: A dramatic increase in the capital works program to $23 million dollars, more than double the expenditure planned for Noosa under the amalgamated council.
2. Road resealing: $8 million to begin restoring our roads to their condition before amalgamation.
3. Renewal of infrastructure: The asset sustainability ratio is the measure of how well a council provides for the renewal of ageing infrastructure. This rises to 100 per cent, well above the rate of 70 per cent under amalgamation.
4. Noosa Biosphere Reserve: Funding of $250,000 for projects related to the local economy and environment.
5. Hastings Street: $110,000 to undertake a security boost, thanks to the Hastings Street Community Safety Program charge, which will pay for extra security patrols and CCTV maintenance.
6. Noosa Main Beach: $556,000 for restoration and maintenance will continue at Noosa Main Beach which will include sand recycling, infrastructure replacement, beach cleaning and major events beach maintenance.
7. $2.516 million to rateable land that benefits from tourism will be charged to help promote the region with increased tourism activity as the expected outcome.
8. Noosa Junction Association: To receive $90,000 to help carry out projects and initiatives to boost business activity.
9. Community Engagement: Significant funding for initiatives to allow the Noosa community to participate in local decision-making processes.
Note from mayor Playford: “Community engagement is a key to protecting our lifestyle. The people of Noosa fought to restore this council, and now we are committed to giving them a real say in decisions.”
