Monday September 17, 2012

THE Flinders Shire Council Budget for 2012-2013 was set on the 13th September 2012 and provided for a 4% increase in general rates, 2% increase in water charges, 6% for sewerage and garbage charges, and no increase in the wild dog levy. Due to a revaluation of all properties by the Department of Natural Resources and Mines ratepayers will experience different general rate increases depending on whether they were below or above the average valuation changes. The general rate increase of 4% is the increase in total general rate revenue for Council. Council’s long term planning process has placed it in a strong financial position to fund our current program and take advantage of future opportunities. 

 The Shire’s Budget of $41.1m includes $32.9m of capital works and provides an extensive works program for all areas of the Shire and its workforce. There are significant programs throughout the Shire including road works, building construction works, growth of community care services, development of community facilities and industrial land development.

Major building works include construction of the $5.3m Hughenden Centre for the Aged in Betts Street, completion of the $5.5m Council Administration Complex, extensions to the workshop building and completion of the Flinders Shire Library disability ramp.

Council will continue with its plant replacement/upgrade program and has allocated a gross $2.7m to maintain a modern and efficient fleet to service the needs of the Shire and maintain a significant road construction capability.

Major road works include contracts with Department of Main Roads on the Hann Highway (12km of full construction & sealing), Shire road upgrades and flood damage repair for Prairie Road and the Basalt Byway, completion of the Brodie Street reconstruction and sealing, the full reconstruction of Moran Street,  construction of a new underground stormwater drain in Gray Street, upgrades and repairs to the Glendower and Spring Valley walls and upgrades and repairs to the Porcupine Gorge National Park and the White Mountains National Park access roads.

The 2013 Budget allows for $6.1m towards the $8.5m sewerage works planned.  This includes the North Hughenden reticulation system and upgrades to the sewerage treatment plant, which have been funded via a 75% state government grant, loan funds and Council reserves.

Flood mitigation works include installation of flood warning gauges on the Upper Flinders and Porcupine Creek systems to provide early warning of flood events to the Hughenden township.

Town beautification works will continue with $155,000 in upgrades to the Allen Terry Caravan Park facilities, $94,000 towards the Hughenden Showground’s drainage works and equipment, $85,000 in upgrades to the Hughenden Aquatic Centre, interpretive signage, paving of footpath and upgrading of street lighting.

For more information contact Ninian Stewart-Moore on deputymayor@flinders.qld.gov.au or 0414311516