Council finances well managed and positioned going into second half of financial year

Townsville City Council starts the second half of the financial year on a well-positioned financial footing, with no increase to general rates.

Today’s full council meeting has endorsed the organisation’s mid-year budget review.

Mayor Jenny Hill said a continued focus by the leadership team on savings, efficiencies and innovation across the organisation had delivered a near $800,000 improvement in the Council’s bottom line.

“These savings and efficiencies have been achieved without compromising on the essential services Council delivers to the community each and every day of the year,” Cr Hill said.

“Despite COVID-19, the first half of the 2021/22 financial year has been a period of consistent and reliable service delivery by Council to the community.

“We have also maintained our strong focus on delivering the new and upgraded infrastructure our city needs as it grows.

“The $739 million investment Council is making in the Townsville community this financial year is being achieved with no increase in general rates.”

Cr Hill said Council had seen increases in the cost of materials and services in delivering its services and capital program.

“The cost of construction materials alone has increased by about 7 per cent. Council is not alone in seeing these costs increases. The private sector is also seeing costs rise,” she said.

“In addition to savings achieved through efficiencies and innovation, the increase in costs has been offset by increased revenue.

“Council will maintain its focus on the delivery of essential services to ratepayers in the second half of the financial year while also working to deliver on its capital works program.”