2020/21 Budget - More than $25 million invested in support for community

Community and not-for-profit groups will share in more than $25 million in grants, concessions and in-kind support from Townsville City Council as they continue to help the community recover from COVID-19.

Mayor Jenny Hill said there were a wide range of community and not-for-profit groups in Townsville who each played a part in making Townsville a great place to live.

“Community and not-for-profit organisations support our community and Council supports them 100 per cent,” Cr Hill said.

“Like the rest of the community, the COVID-19 global pandemic has hit our community groups hard. That’s why the support we have included in the budget is so important.

“Our budget for 2020-21 includes more than $25 million in community assistance through grants, sponsorship, funding, concessions on rates and utility charges and lease and rent relief.”

Community and Cultural Development committee chairperson Ann-Maree Greaney said the 2020-21 budget continued to provide support for pensioners in the Townsville community.

“Townsville City Council has one of the most generous pensioner rate concession in Queensland and this budget continues that tradition,” Cr Greaney said.

“Up to $800 in concessions on rates are available to eligible pensioners. Council also subsidises the cost of transport on Sea Link ferries and Sun Bus services for pensioners.”

Council sports and recreation committee chairperson Maurie Soars said the 2020-21 budget also included a 50 per cent discount on sewerage charges for not-for-profit sporting groups.

“Sports are such an important part of life in North Queensland,” Cr Soars said.

“Council is pleased to be able to provide a 50 per cent discount on sewerage charges for not-for-profit sporting groups to ensure they can continue to provide sporting options for the community.”