Whitsunday Regional Council raises rates 4% for FY22-23

Acting mayor: ‘We are no different to our residents who have been forced to review their budgets for their households or business due to rising costs, both nationally and globally.’

Ratepayers across the Whitsundays will be hit with a 4 per cent increase in rates following the release of the council’s 2022-23 budget.

Though the rise stays below the inflation rate, it is higher than the 2.5 per cent rise Mackay Regional Council introduced on Wednesday.

For the average ratepayer, it means $3.71 a week more on their bill, or close to $190 a year extra.

Acting Mayor Mike Brunker said in his budget speech the rate rise was reasonable.

“It is less than a cup of coffee,” he said.

Charges for water, sewage and waste services will also be increased.

Mr Brunker said the “responsible budget” would maintain the council’s fiscal position while maintaining services and delivering on key capital works projects.

“Importantly, our $137m operating budget ensures we maintain sound financial management through an operating surplus of just over $227,000,” he said.

“In many ways, we are no different to our residents who have been forced to review their budgets for their households or business due to rising costs, both nationally and globally.”

The budget allocates $73m on capital works.

Highlights of the capital works program include starting construction on a new $3.5m waste cell at Kelsey Creek, a $1.9m road reseal and rehabilitation program, a $1.6m unsealed roads program, $800,000 for the Bicentennial Boardwalk refurbishment, $755,000 on the Edgecumbe Heights walking track and $989,000 on the Choose Collinsville project.

“Every capital project approved has been prioritised through practical and proactive asset management planning which will ensure our infrastructure remains sound and that we can continue to provide high levels of service, while minimising the financial burden for the future,” Mr Brunker said.

The budget also allocates $5.4m to debt reduction and Mr Brunker said by the end of the next financial year, the council would hold less than $70m in debt for an asset base of around $1.2bn.