Council hand down record budget to get balance right
Date published: 21 June 2022
“Council’s prudent and responsible financial management over the past nine years has delivered six budgets in surplus and one balanced budget during that time,” Cr Molachino said.
“Our $957.5 million budget will balance the delivery and maintenance of services and infrastructure while reducing the impact that rising land valuations could have otherwise had on ratepayers across the city.
“Our population has just passed 200,000 which means it is more important now than ever to get our fundamental services right for our community.
“We are investing 80 per cent of our budget, equal to $774 million, in the delivery of services like asset maintenance, water, waste and wastewater treatment.
“Our community expects us to get those things right, which is why we are investing in delivering for services today as well as building to meet for future demand.”
Townsville Water and Waste Committee chairperson Russ Cook said $50.6 million was being invested in rubbish collection and resource management, while funding has also been set aside to support Council’s strategic focus on developing a green, circular economy.
“We are investing $1.3 million into the green economy, including the food organics and garden organics program, to ensure our city is operating in an environmentally sustainable way and working toward our zero landfill targets.”
The $774 million investment for fundamental services in the 2022/23 Budget includes:
- $129.5 million for wastewater services
- $297 million for water services
- $201 million for road, drains and stormwater management
- $96 million for maintaining parks and open spaces.
The budget also includes important liveability investments like:
- $39.5 million for arts, culture and events
- $33.8 million for safe city investments, including CCTV systems, community response vehicle and youth services
- $33 million to support affordability for pensioners and community clubs and organisations.
For more information on the 2022/23 Budget and Operational Plan, visit Budget 2022/23.
