Rockhampton Regional Council 2023-24 budget: 6.74 per cent rate rise

A major rate rise has been confirmed for Rockhampton as the council insists it’s taken “tough times” into account but blames government cuts and crippling costs. DETAILS.

Rockhampton Regional Council councillors Shane Latcham, Ellen Smith, Donna Kirkland, Deputy Mayor Neil Fisher, Mayor Tony Williams, Councillors Grant Mathers and Drew Wickerson hand down the 2023-24 Budget.

A sharp rate rise for Rockhampton has been confirmed after the city’s mayor Tony Williams and councillors handed down a “challenging” budget on Tuesday.

Typical residential ratepayers can expect an increase of 6.74 per cent, which equates to $260.36 per year and $5 per week.

This is compared to the Central Highlands Regional Council which handed down a general rates and utility charges increase of six per cent and Livingstone Shire Council which delivered a 6.5 per cent average residential rates rise.

The council says it aimed to keep its rate rise under the Consumer Price Index – 7.4 per cent.

It comes after long meetings were held at the chambers over the last couple of months as councillors and officers worked to try and put together a budget they believed ticked all the boxes.

Inflation pressures hitting the economy across the country with “considerable increases” in fuel, materials and services along with a 10 per cent rise in construction costs and another $2 million rise expected over the financial year for electricity and insurance alone were said to be the major contributor.

“This has not been an easy task which is why we have sought to limit our own budgets and investments to those which are a priority and necessary and contained as best we can rate rises in the community,” Mr Williams said.

Rockhampton Regional Council councillors Shane Latcham, Ellen Smith, Donna Kirkland, Deputy Mayor Neil Fisher, Mayor Tony Williams, Councillors Grant Mathers and Drew Wickerson hand down the 2023-24 Budget.

“It is tough economic times and we understand that with our ratepayers.”

The 10 per cent discount will still apply and in excess of $1.95 million in rating concessions has been allocated to pensioners, community groups and sport clubs.

Rates and charges make up 73 per cent of council’s total operating income.

“With increasing cost pressures, council has had little option but to increase rates and charges to ensure existing levels of service are maintained for the community,” the council report read

The operating deficit of the budget is $1.47 million, the fourth consecutive year council has adopted a deficit budget.

Total Capital Expenditure is $150.6 million with $62.3 million funded by capital grants and income.

Projects include the continuation of the Gracemere and South Rockhampton Sewage Treatment upgrades, with $6 million allocated to the total $127 million project and the Glenmore Water Treatment Plant Upgrade, $7.8 million towards the total $57 million project.

A long-time project, the solar energy installation at Glenmore Water Treatment Plant, received $4.1 million towards the total $6.3 million, and will in turn effectively save money in electricity costs down the track.

The North Rockhampton Sewage Treatment Plant augmentation, which has been offset by grant funding, was allocated $14 million towards the total $85 million project.

Fitzroy River Water capital program will be propped up by $15.7 million, $8.5 million for the Lakes Creek Landfill.

The carting of water to Mount Morgan has been a considerable cost to council over the last couple of years and $25 million has been allocated towards the pipeline project.

For road renewals, upgrades and rehabilitation, $21.94 million has been allocated and $1.07 million for traffic facilities improvement.

In community projects, the Botanic Gardens and Zoos redevelopment was awarded $4 million, $5.42 million to complete the Mount Morgan Pool replacement, $5.7 million for Facilities and Parks new works and renewals and $3.7 million for library services.

The harsh budget comes as the council grapples with the loss of more than $6 million in state government funding in the Financial Assistance Grants.

To combat the loss, the council looked at cost saving measures, which included the closure of SmartHub.

“We acknowledge the impact of cost of living pressures being felt by many and understand that we are all feeling the bite of inflation,” Mr Williams said.

‘That’s why we have tried to find a balance in this budget. A balance between the projects and services we know we need to do to support the community and invest in the future; and limiting the impact of rate rises as much as possible.

“Residents will see that where we have scope to invest in projects and initiatives, we have focused on those that deliver important community benefit and which set us for the future.

“Projects we know residents and businesses rely on and which are essential for our region to operate and grow.

“That is investments in road renewal, upgrades, and rehabilitation

“Investments in water and sewage treatment plant upgrades because we know they are the services that make our region work.

“Continuing to invest in our parks, gardens and community facilities to give people places and spaces to go and enjoy as well as over $7 million in economic development, tourism and events to support future job growth and investment in the economy.”

Speaking briefly to the chamber, Councillor Donna Kirkland said she disagreed with the budget and her sole vote against the budget was recorded.

All other councillors voted in favour and the budget was adopted.