June 27, 2019 - BIG INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS FOR CASSOWARY COAST

A swag of big dollar infrastructure projects across the region leads Cassowary Coast Regional Council’s generous $38.76 million Capital Works allocation in the 2019/20 annual budget.

The Capital Works program is Council’s highest in three years and features $4.5 million to complete the $7.5 million State and Federal government-funded Tully Showgrounds grandstand.

Cassowary Coast Mayor Cr John Kremastos said the grandstand replaced an earlier condemned building and would be ‘home” to 19 local user groups.

“The Tully grandstand will be one of the best outside of Brisbane and will provide a boost to our regional facilities,” he said.

“It will also be used as a disaster management centre.”

Cr Kremastos said this year’s budget was building for a better future based upon this Council’s sound economic foundations.

“This year’s spending will see projects popping up across the whole region and you’ll find there is something for everyone,” he said.

“We have ensured we have covered essential works to meet the needs of our residents today and into the future, and included exciting projects like the Tully grandstand.”

 A significant $4.2 million investment has also been allocated this year to improve water security, with a further $2.5 million for water mains renewals. This includes a commitment to the Bulgun Creek intake reservoir of $3 million and $1.2 million to complete the $5.1 million Wheatley Hill reservoir.

A further $617,000 has been committed for the roll out of ‘smart water meters’ and water meter renewals throughout the region. 

“Our sound financial management has enabled Council to provide essential and exciting Capital Works projects while keeping the general rate increase to an average 1.3%, and even lower at .9% for our Primary Production Sector,” Cr Kremastos said.

“This is lower than the Council Cost Index (CCI) of 1.9% and is the fourth low-rate rise in a row.

 “Council staff have worked hard to get the best outcomes for our region and our residents.

“We further help our residents by offering a 15% discount on the general rate if paid within 30 days of the rates notice issue date. We have also scrapped the 1% credit card surcharge, which means people have more options on how they pay their rates without an added penalty.”

ENDS