Lockyer Valley residents can expect a rates increase as council maintains a surplus for the fifth consecutive year
‘It’s nothing fancy’: Mayor says 2021-22 budget will reduce council debt and work on strengthening current assets. See full details here:
Gatton
Don't miss out on the headlines from Gatton. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Following a rate freeze last financial year, the Lockyer Valley Regional Council has delivered its new budget, equipped with a $2.07 million operational surplus and a 1.5 per cent rates increase.
It’s what finance portfolio councillor Chris Wilson described as ‘sound management’ over the past five years.
The LVRC has paid another $1.66m toward its $18.32m debt and aims to be debt free within 10 years.
This financial year, the council will operate with a $60m budget and $58.22m operating expenditure, making it the fifth year in a row LVRC has operated at a surplus.
Cr Wilson said the budget and council’s finances were a significant piece of work, with the entire council committed to the process.
“Things were looking a bit dire historically, but there’s a series of circumstances why that may have been the case,” he said.
“I’m really focused on the future. What has happened has happened. It’s here and now we can control.”
The council has earmarked $19.3m for infrastructure projects, including black spot works and roadworks.
Additional projects include upgrades at the Laidley Saleyard, an amphitheatre and youth node at Lake Apex in Gatton and new footpaths at Murphys Creek and Gatton.
Mayor Tanya Milligan, in her address to councillors, revealed the council achieved a credit rating upgrade from the Queensland Treasury Corporation with LVRC moving from a weak to a moderate position.
She said the council had no plans to borrow money for the next 10 years and the budget was focused on “sustainable management of the region’s current assets”.
Cr Milligan said the past 12 months were challenging for businesses, community, and industry especially with the coronavirus pandemic.
“The councillors have worked exceptionally hard to flesh out and dig deep where we can make cuts and be efficient,” she said.
“It hasn’t just been for Covid, it’s about sound responsible practices.”
The Palaszczuk supporters who have abandoned Steven Miles
An exclusive Courier-Mail poll reveals many of the voters who helped an Annastacia Palaszczuk-led Labor secure victory at the last state election have returned to the LNP.
Who won week three? Watch most BRUTAL Voter Verdict yet
The Courier-Mail’s Voter Verdict have weighed in on the third week of the election campaign with a brutal assessment of both leaders. But who won the week?