Council invests $33 million in affordability
Date published: 21 June 2022
Townsville City Council’s 2022/23 Budget includes an investment of $33 million to help provide financial support across important community areas.
Mayor Jenny Hill said the investment would ensure seniors, community groups, sporting organisations and residents facing financial challenges received a level of support from Council.
“Council is investing a significant amount of money to support residents with programs like pet registration discounts for seniors, first home buyers rate discounts, concessions for residents facing financial hardship, grants, sponsorships, partnership funding and providing community organisations financial support through $1 community club facility leases,” Cr Hill said.
“We know our community has felt the impacts of rising costs, and because of our strong financial management, Council is in a position to offer support to residents and community organisations.
“The here and now matter, but so too does tomorrow.
“Council wants to ensure residents and community organisations can survive the challenges of today and prosper in the days, months and years ahead.”
Some of the support Council is providing through the budget includes:
- $9.1 million in community grants, sponsorships and concessions for not-for-profit organisations
- $1.7 million in general rate concessions for not-for-profit organisations
- $3.1 million in water and wastewater concessions for sporting clubs and community groups
- $5.9 million in concessions for pensioners
- $12.6 million in general rate discounts for those who pay early.
Business Services and Finance Committee chairperson Margie Ryder said more residents than ever were feeling the immediate challenges of rising costs due partly to external factors like the war in Ukraine and the continuing impacts of COVID-19.
“The increased costs of essentials like fuel are pushing up the price of everyday items and putting a strain on household budgets,” Cr Ryder said.
“Townsville City Council is committed to helping residents and community organisations in an environment of rising costs and financial challenges.
“It is now more important than ever that Council continues to offer these discounts, concessions, grants, partnerships and sponsorships to support our residents and community organisations and help them with the financial challenges in the year ahead.”
For more information on the 2022/23 Budget and Operational Plan, visit Budget 2022/23.
