2019/20 Budget - Budget to deliver minimal 2 percent rate rise

The average Townsville homeowner will only pay an extra 55 cents per week on their general rates and 69 cents per week on utilities bills.

Mayor Jenny Hill has delivered Townsville City Council’s 2019-20 Budget, with a 2% rise on rates and utilities.

Cr Hill said she was proud to deliver her third consecutive balanced budget, with a projected surplus of $0.4 million.

“Strong financial management and removing inefficiencies within Council has allowed us to deliver a balanced budget with a modest 2% rate rise,” Cr Hill said.

“The Consumer Price Index increase for the last calendar year was 1.8%, so Council is again delivering rises near the most recent full-year inflation rate.

“The cost of goods purchased by Council to deliver services and infrastructure projects is increasing by more than the standard inflation rate, so it’s a strong result to keep rates and utility charges rises to just 2%.”

Cr Hill said Council’s 2019-20 Budget will inject $838.1 million into the local economy.

“The operating Budget to provide Council’s services to the community is $429 million and we are investing $409.1 million on infrastructure and capital projects,” Cr Hill said.

“Debt has been reduced over this term of Council, while at the same time delivering major infrastructure investments to build our city’s future.”

Governance and Finance Committee Chair Cr Verena Coombe said residents will remain able to access the early payment discount of 10% for their rates – which is utilised by about 90% of residents.

“Council has also retained some of the most generous pensioner discounts in Queensland with eligible homeowners to receive up to $800 off their rates bills annually,” Cr Coombe said.

“This Budget ensures Council continues to deliver its high level of services to the community while keeping cost increases modest.”