TRC adopts 2019-20 Operational Plan, Budget and Revenue Statement

Toowoomba Regional Council today adopted its 2019-20 Operational Plan, Budget and Revenue Statement.

Toowoomba Region Mayor Paul Antonio said Council’s $548 million financial plan would maintain and upgrade existing services and facilities while planning for a brighter future for current and successive generations.

“Council remains committed to implementing a responsible and calculated financial approach in its Budget planning and delivery,” Mayor Antonio said.

“I thank my colleagues and Council staff for their deliberations over many months to develop a manageable capital program valued at $211 million along with an operating Budget component of $337 million.

“We have a responsibility to plan for maintenance and upgrades to our existing infrastructure to guarantee the long-term viability of essential services to residents. We are mindful that every new asset comes with its own ongoing maintenance costs.” For full details of the 2019-20 Budget, please visit www.tr.qld.gov.au/budget

2019-20 Budget highlights

• A $548 million Budget • A 2.5% increase to the General Rate (net overall increase in rates and charges of 3% for an urban residential property. The majority of urban residential ratepayers will have an increase of $92.88 a year, or $1.79 a week, after discount, which includes all rates and charges.) • Operational (service delivery) expenditure of $337 million • A capital (infrastructure) program of $211 million

In the coming year, the major areas of capital expenditure will include: • $60.1 million for roads, footpaths, bikeways and drainage projects • $28.2 million for water projects • $14.7 million for wastewater projects • $17.8 million for waste services • $6.8 million for parks and recreation projects • $67.3 million for community services and facilities • $15.7 million for business strategy and operations

Infrastructure • $2.9 million for widening Bowenville–Moola Road as part of the Federal Government’s Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Program • $1.48 million on the Federal Government’s Blackspot Program • $2.7 million for widening the Jondaryan-St Ruth Road through State Government Transport Infrastructure Development Scheme • $3.9 million on the Wyreema-Cambooya Road upgrade project • $15.6 million on the Regional Rehabilitation Program • $14.4 million on the Regional Reseal and Resheet Program • $4 million on the Regional Asphalt Overlay Program • $1 million on the Tummaville Road Bridge Renewal

Water and Waste • $28.2 million for water infrastructure capital projects • $14.7 million for the provision of wastewater infrastructure capital projects • $13.45 million on the construction phase of upgrading the Kleinton Landfill to a Tier Two Waste Management Facility. • $2.46 million to upgrade and replace trunk and reticulation water mains across the region • $1.05 million for water treatment and water bore planning and infrastructure works • $2.18 million for region-wide sewer maintenance, rehabilitation and replacement work programs.

Environment and Community Services

• New Charlton Principal Depot - $55.58 million • Queens Park Upgrades - $2.4 million • Escarpment Parks and Picnic Point Regional Park Upgrades - $2.17 million • Finalise design and external roadworks for the new Highfields Library - $1,500,000 • Laneway Creation at 174 Margaret Street, Toowoomba - $1,100,000 • Construction of new Clifton Museum - $720,000 • Community Grants Program - $731,000 for community grants program. Round 1 will open in July 2019.

2019-20 General Rate increase

2.5 %

Historical General Rate decisions

Year        Decision 2018-19   3.0% 2017-18   3.0% 2016-17   3.0 % 2015-16   3.0 % 2014-15   4.06 % 2013-14   4.5 % 2012-13   4.95 % 2011-12   4.38 % 2010-11   8.45 %

Financial position

• The Queensland Treasury Corporation has maintained Council’s credit rating as Sound with a Neutral Outlook.