Council adopts budget

25th July 2008

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THE average Whitsunday household will pay an extra $119.60 to $135.20 this year in rates.

The rate rise follows Whitsunday Regional Council's adoption of its 2008/09 budget at its ordinary meeting yesterday.

It was the first ever budget for the newly formed council, which amalgamated on March 15. Mayor Mike Brunker said the budget was tough but fair, and the rate increases were inevitable.

Money will go toward CCTV footage in Airlie Beach and Proserpine, continued maintenance of parks and gardens, an upgrade to the Shute Harbour Pontoons and the implementation of new baggage scanners at Whitsunday Coast Airport.

The Airlie Beach Lagoon is set to operate as usual, with $1.4 million allocated to cover its general running costs.

A selection of roads in the Whitsunday area will benefit from the budget, with $8.8 million going toward drainage and road works.

The allocations include $100,000 for the completion of the Jubilee Pocket Road upgrade, $200,000 for progression of the Airlie Beach main street project and $400,000 going to general reseals.

Crs Jennifer Whitney and Jan Clifford voted against adopting the budget at yesterday's meeting but they were outnumbered.

Cr Whitney expressed concern about several issues. Rates for the former Bowen and Whitsunday shires will keep their previous structures, but council says it is investigating options for a region-wide rating system.

Bowen ratepayers will be subject to similar increases to Whitsunday residents'.