Cassowary Coast budget 2022-23: No rates increase in ‘basic’ budget with $34.8m capital works

A “basic” budget has been adopted by a Far Northern council which made a surprising call on its rates policy as it aims to share the burden of rising cost of living pressures.

A FAR Northern council plans to ease the burden of rising cost of living pressures on its residents with a surprising decision made on its general rates policy, while slightly decreasing capital works expenditure.

Cassowary Coast Regional Council adopted its “back to basics” 2022-23 budget on Wednesday, announcing there would be no rise to general rates, with the minimum residential rate remaining at $1171.

A first for the council since it was formed in 2008.

However, Mayor Mark Nolan said there would be a change to the council’s discount on early rates payment policy, which would be reduced from 10 to 5 per cent, equating to about $1.53 per week, on average.

Cassowary Coast Mayor Mark Nolan said the 2022-23 budget would be getting “back to the basics”.

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“The zero per cent gross in general rates is intended to protect the most vulnerable members of our community and reduce the impact of increased (land) valuations across the region,” Cr Nolan said.

But there are set to be increases to charges upon households and similarly to its northern neighbouring councils, CCRC also adopted a new rating scheme for investment properties.

“The base rate in the dollar for this group will be 5 per cent higher than the residential rate in the dollar and the minimum general rates. This change equates to an average of $1.69 per week on average, for those affected ratepayers,” Cr Nolan said.

Cassowary Coast residential property owner-occupiers will see no change to their rates bill for 2022-23. An aerial image of Innisfail, featuring the South Johnstone river.

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“This change will yield an additional $475,000 in revenue to support the delivery of key services and critical infrastructure.”

There will also be a 3.7 per cent increase in water access and waste charges.

The 2022-23 CCRC budget is set to operate at a deficit of $965,000, forecasting an operating revenue of $89.1 million, expenses at $90.1 million with a capital works program worth $34.8 million.

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Highlights of the program included $11.2m wastewater infrastructure including the commencement of the $12.7m normalisation of Port Hinchinbrook project, which will receive $8m from the council.

The council will also spend $2.5m on implementing the Mission Beach CBD masterplan, which is worth $10.5m over five years from 2019.

And there will also be $4.8m spent on transport infrastructure projects including $1.1m on regional road reseals, $1.2m on unsealed road renewals, just over $1m on urban roads at Tully and Cardwell.

Originally published as Cassowary Coast budget 2022-23: No rates increase in ‘basic’ budget with $34.8m capital works