Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate delivers 2020 budget speech: ‘It’s a Road to Recovery budget’

Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate has handed down the 2020 budget, declaring it “one of the toughest” he has ever worked on in nine years in office.

GOLD Coast Mayor Tom Tate has labelled the 2020 budget “one of the toughest” he has ever worked on in a speech to the chamber this morning.

The new budget will deliver a rates freeze and ditch increased spending on an offshore cruise ship terminal and a hinterland cableway in an attempt to help the city recover from COVID-19.

Mayor Tate said the new budget has been a “true balancing act” to protect livelihoods and lifestyle during the global pandemic.

Mayor Tom Tate. Picture Glenn Hampson

‘We have worked hard to formulate a package that delivers value for money, while also providing economic stimulus,” he said.

“It’s a ‘Roads to Recovery’ budget’ and I’m very proud of what our hard work has received.

“I can assure all Gold Coasters that councillors and city officers have worked tirelessly to ensure that this budget is the right response for our city at this challenging time.

‘We will continue to deliver for our community the essential services that our city requires, whilst setting the economic foundations for our full recovery.”

AQUATIC CENTRE FUNDED IN COUNCIL BUDGET

He said the new budget would set the economic foundations for the city’s “full recovery”.

“All Principal Place of Residence ratepayers will receive a financial rebate of $64 which means that 137,800 of these ratepayers will receive a general rate reduction,” he said.

“By investing in our infrastructure, as well as maintaining our community assets, we can protect local jobs while supporting both our community and our businesses.”

This year marks Mayor Tate’s ninth budget in office.

An aquatic centre will also receive major funding. Picture: Jerad Williams

It will also see roads and transport remain a key priority, no price increase on water consumption and sewerage rates and benefits for sporting and community groups.

“The last eight years of strong and disciplined financial management has meant that when faced with framing this year’s budget we were able to do so from a position of strength,” he said.

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“This gave us the ability to actively respond to the changed circumstances, and provide the leadership and support our residents and businesses need at this difficult time.

“This budget is the right response for our city at this challenging time.

“By investing in our infrastructure, as well as maintaining our community assets, we can protect local jobs while supporting both our community and our businesses.

“As we face the ongoing challenge, let’s remember that we are all in this together.”