Report reviews an ‘extraordinary year’

Published: 23 September 2020. (Note: information was correct at date of publication but may have since been changed or superseded.)

The financial impact of COVID-19 has resulted in Council finishing the 2019-20 financial year with a $1.6 million operating deficit.

Council’s Annual Report, adopted at today’s Ordinary Meeting, described 2019-20 as “an extraordinary year for Council as well as the general community” because of the unprecedented effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Council continued to invest heavily in community infrastructure by delivering a $165.5 million capital works program in the 2019-20 financial year.

This included more than $50 million in transport and mobility projects, $54 million on water and waste infrastructure, and $13 million on improving parks and leisure facilities throughout the city.

Council also provided more than $7.8 million through numerous grant steams, including $3.4 million to support Tourism Tropical North Queensland, almost $1.4 million in rates-based assistance for not-for-profit groups and sponsorships, and $797,000 for events.

The report noted that the full impacts of COVID-19 on Council are still unknown.

However, Council has adopted a three-year recovery plan that looks to balance the need for maintaining essential service levels, the delivery of the capital works program, providing economic stimulus and keeping rates affordable.

Additionally, Council has developed a Financial Hardship Policy which provides extended repayment plans and interest waivers for ratepayers adversely affected by COVID-19.

The Annual Report highlights the many programs that were delivered throughout the year, in line with Council’s strategic goals, which relate to Economy, Natural Assets, Liveability, Community and Culture, and Serving the Community.

The 2019-20 Annual Report can be viewed in full on Council’s website.