Budget - Budget delivers for community groups, families, seniors
Date published: 6 July 2016
Community development programs and services to support families and seniors are again a feature of the City Budget 2016/17.
Community and Culture Committee chair Cr Colleen Doyle said the budget would focus on priority areas in the community.
“The council is continuing to prioritise programs and activities that are important to seniors, families and young people in our community,” Cr Doyle said.
This year the council will deliver $2.1 million through the Community Grants Scheme to support community groups, festivals, events, activities and services throughout the city.
The budget also includes $854,000 for recreation and sport activities in the city, including the Get Active Townsville and School Breakfast Program.
Assistance for Seniors is again a hallmark of the council’s community support with a generous rates rebate scheme totalling $5.58 million and the Pensioner Transport Subsidy Scheme worth $300,000.
A further $125,000 has been set aside for the lawn mowing service for seniors who have no family support or the capacity to cut their own yards.
The budget will also provide a year round program of activities for families and children in the City Libraries.
A total of $1.1 million has been allocated for Lifelong Learning initiatives including local history, heritage, children and youth programs.
The budget includes a further $150,000 for digital equipment for use by library customers
Townsville’s sports facilities will also benefit with $5.3 million in funding for the Townsville Stadium, Tony Ireland Stadium, and Riverway precinct sports ground which attract thousands of residents every week.
Highlights:
- $2.1M - Community Grants Scheme
- $5.58M - Pensioner rates discounts
- $300,000 - Pensioner Transport Subsidy Scheme
- $1.1M - Libraries Lifelong Learning Programs
- $854,000 for recreation and sporting activities
- $125,000 - Lawn Mowing service for eligible seniors
- $4M - public pools, Riverway Lagoons, Strand waterpark, Rockpool
- $5.3M for sports facilities including Townsville Stadium, Tony Ireland Stadium, Riverway sport ground
