Isaac council releases 2023-24 budget with 4 per cent rates increase

The council that sits at the beating heart of Queensland’s massive coal industry has delivered its 2023-24 budget. Read how much extra you’ll pay in rates.

Isaac Regional Council has delivered its 2023-24 budget. Picture: Isaac Regional Council

Isaac Regional Council has raised rates by 4 per cent for the average ratepayer, or about $2.75 a week across the 2023-24 financial year.

The rise is slightly above the 3.8 per cent levied by Mackay Regional Council but both councils have kept rises below inflation, which is running at about 7 per cent.

Mayor Anne Baker said cost-of-living pressures had pushed the council to make “tough decisions”.

“This 2023-24 budget is designed to address the cost pressures faced by all of us and support our communities,” she said.

“We have made concerted efforts to deliver a limited rate increase for residents while still ensuring we provide essential services, infrastructure development, and community programs.”

Isaac Regional Council has delivered its 2023-24 budget. Back row – Acting Director Corporate Governance and Financial Services Michael Krulic, Acting CEO Darren Fettell, Cr Greg Austen, Director Water and Waste Scott Casey, Cr Simon West, Deputy Mayor Kelly Vea Vea, Director Planning, Environment and Community Services Daniel WagnerFront row – Director Engineering and Infrastructure Robert Perna, Cr Jane Pickels, Mayor Anne Baker, Cr Gina Lacey, Cr Carolyn Franzmann, Head of Advocacy and External Affairs Mary-Anne Uren. Picture: Isaac Regional Council

The budget features a $57.6m capital works program, with nearly 100 projects booked in.

“For larger projects we will be seeking grants while advocating to all levels of government to contribute their fair share,” Ms Baker said.

Some $17.7m will go into renewing and upgrading the council’s roads, drainage and infrastructure.

Then $12.7m will go towards waste management, and $11.9m to community facilities and hubs and the council’s eight swimming pools.

Water infrastructure will receive $5.6m and the sewer network will get $1.6m.

Isaac covers 58,700 sqkm stretching from Clermont in the south to Nebo in the north.

It holds about 21,000 permanent residents.

Originally published as Isaac council releases 2023-24 budget with 4 per cent rates increase