TRC adopts 2020-21 Operational Plan, Budget and Revenue Statement

Toowoomba Regional Council today unanimously adopted its 2020-21 Operational Plan, Budget and Revenue Statement.

Toowoomba Region Mayor Paul Antonio said Council’s $567 million financial plan would maintain and upgrade existing services and facilities while planning for a brighter future for current and successive generations.

“The Budget reflects the priorities outlined in the Operational Plan (for the 2020-21 financial year) and Council’s Corporate Plan (2019-2024),” Mayor Antonio said.

“Council remains committed to implementing a responsible and calculated financial approach in its Budget planning and delivery.

“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.

“I am positive that today’s program will build on our earlier economic stimulus packages that are designed to complement state and federal government economic relief measures to help the community recover as Coronavirus lockdown restrictions continue to ease.

“The Coronavirus pandemic forced Council to reshape our Budget plans to focus sharply on how we can directly support communities across our region. Fortunately, Council’s solid financial footing has allowed us to develop a $215 million capital program, along with an operating Budget component of $352 million.

“This includes a $165 million regular 12-month calendar of capital works.

“In addition, Council has devised a dedicated $50 million Pandemic Response Investment program that comprises 64 projects that are being accelerated to stimulate economic activity across the Toowoomba Region.

“Stimulating local employment is one of the most constructive and immediate ways Council can help revive and sustain our regional economy.

“This follows Council’s recent initiative, on top of our first pandemic relief measures, to enhance our Procurement Policy in order to offer local firms the best chance to do business with us.”

For full details of the 2020-21 Budget, please visit www.tr.qld.gov.au/budget

2020-21 Budget highlights

• A $567 million Budget • A 2.5% increase to the general rate (net overall increase in rates and charges of 2.95% for an urban residential property. The majority of urban residential ratepayers will have an increase of $95.19 a year, or $1.83 a week, after discount, which includes all rates and charges.) • Operational (service delivery) expenditure of $352 million • A capital (infrastructure) program of $215 million

In the coming year, the major areas of capital expenditure will include: • $64.98 million for roads, bridges, footpaths, bikeways and drainage projects • $55.58 million for water projects • $14.87 million for wastewater projects • $16.07 million for waste services • $19.05 million for parks and recreation projects • $27.66 million for community services and facilities • $16.79 million for business strategy and operations

Infrastructure • $33 million on the asset renewal of the region’s road network • $2.7 million to widen the next section of Bowenville–Moola Road • $2.8 million to start the Russell Street Urban Renewal project • $1.44 million for low cost seal upgrades across the region • $1.35 million on the region-wide footpath renewal program • $300,000 to start the CBD Smart Parking project • $500,000 for stormwater renewal projects

Water and Waste • $11.2 million to complete upgrading the Kleinton Landfill to a Tier 2 waste management facility • $4.5 million for the Southern Trunk Pipeline • $2 million for ongoing bore water quality testing at Clifton • $17.74 million for the Perseverance raw water main renewal • $6.4 million Perseverance pump station upgrade • $2.7 million for upgrading and replacing the Gowrie Creek trunk sewer • Waste facility rehabilitation works: Irongate $100,000, Brookstead $610,000, Pilton $510,000 and Quinalow $200,000 • Start detailed design for upgrades to waste transfer stations: $420,000 at Yarraman, $735,000 at Millmerran and $420,000 for the southern growth corridor.

Environment and Community Services • $11,475,865 to construct the new Highfields Library • $4,245,000 to upgrade the Toowoomba RSL Soldiers’ Memorial Hall • $1.5 million for the Millmerran Pool upgrade • $1 million for Carnival Laneway creation at 174 Margaret Street, Toowoomba • $500,000 to construct the new Clifton Museum • $740,000 for our Community Grants Program. Round 1 opens in July. • $2.8 million for Queens Park Stage 7 upgrades in Toowoomba • $3.9 million for Escarpment parks and Picnic Point regional park upgrades • $1.37 million for the Fencing Renewal program • $735,000 for Thiess Park, Darling Heights upgrade • $610,000 for Fire Management Access Renewal and Upgrade • $500,000 for East Creek Parklands upgrade • $360,000 for Wyreema Park upgrade • $305,000 for McMahon Park, Gowrie Junction upgrade • $255,000 for Lions Park – Hodgson Vale upgrade • $500,000 for Toowoomba Region Sports Precinct (business case and pre-construction) 2020-21 General Rate increase 2.5 %

Historical General Rate decisions

Year         Decision 2019-20   2.5% 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.