Western Downs Regional Council delivers budget for 2023 to 2024

From a rates rise to land revaluations and a multimillion-dollar capital works program to improve roads, these are the highlights from the latest Western Downs Regional Council budget.

Rate increases and the recent land revaluation in our region were some of the key factors that led budget news at Dalby today.

Western Downs Regional Council revealed the budget for 2023 to 2024 that Mayor Paul McVeigh and councillors have been working on since November last year.

The new budget included a general rates increase of 3.8 per cent, which Mr McVeigh said was low in comparison to the current financial climate.

“I am proud to say that this council will continue to have a strong financial position with a budgeted surplus of $2.7m this year, with a total operating expenditure of more than $168.5m, plus a total capital investment of $180.8m,” he said.

Mayor Paul McVeigh and Western Downs Regional Councillors adopted the 2023-2024 budget. Picture: Emily Devon

“Our ongoing commitment to responsible financial management has meant council is able to keep rates low, while ensuring we are able to deliver high-quality services for our growing region.”

The Western Downs region recently underwent a land revaluation by the Queensland government which will come into play on June 30, 2023.

“This revaluation has seen significant increases in the value of Western Downs land, and has seen rural land valuations increase by an average of 66 per cent and some valuations as much as 104 per cent,” Mr McVeigh said.

Roads and flood damage

After years of repeated, devastating floods council has committed to a $180.8m capital works program which includes the progression of a flood restoration program which will help fix and improve the region’s road networks.

Daandine-Nandi Rd outside of Dalby is just one of the major networks to receive upgrades in 2023. Picture: contributed

“On top of this record program, we will invest more than $43.6m into local road upgrades and maintenance projects across the Western Downs which also features a regional road resilience program to strengthen our roads against future weather impacts, and $886,633 into new or improved footpaths to keep our regions connected, and our services strong,” Mr McVeigh said.

Council have also said they will undertake a region-wide flood gauge improvement program to help provide accurate and timely information to residents during disaster events, with $940,000 committed.

Modern infrastructure

Mr McVeigh said more than $12.6m will be invested into water treatment supply infrastructure.

“This includes the next phase of a multi-year program to increase the Dalby town water supply, and upgrades and maintenance of water supply infrastructure in several towns,” he said.

The following projects which were started to “drive liveability” are expected to be completed in coming months:

• Bunya Mountains Mountain Bike Trails

• Mary’s Place

• Revitalised Chinchilla Cultural Precinct

• Tara Aquatic Centre

Last year the council held a variety of community sessions and invited residents to have their say on showgrounds and aquatic facilities to help guide future investment.

Councillor Megan James at the Dalby pool. Picture: WDRC

“This year we will develop master plans for these much-loved community assets to ensure they meet our needs for generations to come,” Mr McVeigh said.

“We will spend $600,000 to complete the final upgrades of the Waterloo Plain Environmental Park in Wandoan; the planning and development of a new cultural precinct for Dalby will continue this year, and we will invest in the progression of the region’s first community-led strategy to guide the future liveability of the region, known as ‘Western Downs Futures’.”

It was also announced that Bell will be receiving a brand-new tourist attraction with plans progressing to install a giant wind turbine blade, to “attract visitors and tell the story of the region’s strong energy sector”.

“We know our community thrives on exciting local programs, and this budget includes funding for a range of popular programs at our libraries, galleries, as well as community movie nights, pool parties, comedy roadshow and performing arts.”