Council adopted their 2023-24 Budget last Friday and our priority as Councillors was to maintain essential services with minimal rate rises for our residents.
Against the backdrop of these rising costs and inflation sitting above six per cent, we have been able to keep the rate rise to a minimum, with an average increase in general rates for residential owner occupiers of two per cent.
Council will also continue to provide one of the most generous pensioner rates concessions in Queensland.
Ratepayers experiencing financial hardship may seek assistance under Council’s Rate Relief due to Hardship Policy.
Highlights of Council’s 2023/24 capital works program include commencing construction on a new $3.5 million waste cell at Kelsey Creek, $2.4 million towards upgrading infrastructure at our regional airports including our award-winning Whitsunday Coast Airport, $11.4 million on stormwater drainage, roads and footpath infrastructure which includes, Stage 2 of the Bicentennial Walkway and gravel road re-sheeting on our unsealed network.
Council plays a key role in assisting local community and sporting groups across the region and at last week’s Ordinary Council meeting in Bowen, financial support was approved for a range of community events and Sport & Recreation Grants were approved for seven local sporting clubs.
We approved $1,500 to the Collinsville Lions Club to host a weekly Community BBQ for the third year in a row to welcome travellers at the Collinsville RV Park during the peak tourism season.
Sponsorship of $2,500 was approved to assist the Springlands Campdraft Association with their annual campdraft event on July 21-23.
The popular Collinsville Bacon Busters was awarded sponsorship of $2,500 to assist the Collinsville State High School P&C with their annual event on Saturday 19 August 2023.
Sport & Recreation Club Grants were approved for the following recipients: Cannonvale Kyokushin Karate Club Inc. $5,500; Proserpine Rugby League Football Club Inc. $3,000; Bowen Football Association $3,000; Proserpine Bowls Club Inc. $1,500; Collinsville Golf Club Inc. $1,500; Whitsunday Regional Endurance Riders Association Inc. $1,000.
Funding of $20,000 under Council’s Sport & Recreation Facility Management Grant was awarded to Proserpine Junior Sporting Complex Association.
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