Budget 2022-2023

The speech I delivered for the budget, at the Budget Meeting held on the 28 June, 2022.

This Budget has been one of the toughest ever to put together and has taken many months of negotiations, arguing and compromise to arrive at what I believe is a very fair and progressive budget for our entire region.

With Federal and State funding ever declining and those levels of government buck passing on their responsibilities and expecting Council to provide nearly everything our community wants and needs on the breadcrumbs that they sparingly and strategically throw our way, which then means that we have to always find the bulk of the remaining funding for projects and essential infrastructure for our region, This budget has done that.

It delivers many legacy projects and much needed essential intergenerational infrastructure across the region.

With a total capital spend of $122.25 million dollars, no one has missed out.

From major new infrastructure like the new Aquatic Centre, the ANZAC Park Redevelopment and the Moore Park Beach Master Plan to various “off leash” dog parks, upgraded and new facilities in parks, shade sails and shelters, walking paths, better roads and water and sewerage infrastructure etc, etc, etc, there is something for everyone.

Yes, There has been a rates increase of 3.9% but Council is just like everyone else our costs are also increasing and everything comes at a cost and we have managed to keep the increase minimal, and as low as possible and way below CPI while ensuring all services are maintained and new developments continue to be rolled out across the region to continue to improve the liveability and lifestyles of all our residents.

I commend our staff for their time and effort that they have put into assisting Councillors with putting this Budget together and I thank my fellow Councillors for their contributions to this Historic, Legacy building Infrastructure lead budget, which I believe will be a Game Changer for the Bundaberg Region and which will put our region on a Path of growth and prosperity.

New Aquatic Centre

ANZAC Park Redevelopment

Moore Park Beach Master Plan

Summary of 22-23 half-yearly rates & charges comparison with 21-22.