Investment in roads and a low rate increase drives budget

Gympie Regional Council’s $95.6 million Budget will be handed down on Wednesday 28 June with a strong investment in roads and a low rates increase.

Ahead of the budget’s final approval, Mayor Mick Curran said that Council was planning to spend $15 million on roads and drainage infrastructure.

“In the coming year some major milestones will be achieved including $1 million allocated to resheeting gravel roads across the region.

For some of our most frequently trafficked rural roads, sealing works are a priority with a proposed $1.2 million for Anderleigh Road, $579,000 for Tagigan Road and $400,000 for Coonoongibber Creek Road,” he said.

“The proposed budget demonstrates that we are getting on with improving the conditions of our local roads.”

Almost $4 million is planned for parks, community facilities, halls and playgrounds including a further $995,000 for the upgrade of the Civic Centre and $665,000 for a new community hall at Curra.

“Investing in community facilities and recreation helps promote active lifestyles, builds healthy communities and gives our residents something to be proud of,” said Mayor Mick Curran.

“Land revaluations from the State Government have made this budget more challenging however Council has worked hard to make sure the impact of these changes is minimal and fairly distributed across the region,” he said.

The average residential ratepayer will pay less than a 2.1% increase on their rates which has been achieved by keeping ‘best value for ratepayers’ top of mind in all decisions. The 10 percent discount to on-time rates payments will continue, as will the pensioner rebate of $160.