After the Southern Downs Regional councillors attend a special meeting on Wednesday 12 June to consider the 2024-25 draft budget it will be open to public consultation.
The public is invited to provide their feedback on the draft budget from 8am Thursday 13 June until 5pm Friday 28 June.
Mayor Melissa Hamilton said the draft budget reflected council’s commitment to building vibrant, liveable communities in the Southern Downs whilst remaining realistic about the cost of living pressures.
“Recognising the continued cost of living pressure on households, we have focused the 2024-25 draft budget on delivering essential services,” Cr Hamilton said.
“It is proposed that there will be no increase to the residential general minimum rate, as we try to rebalance our rating system to ensure a fairer and more equitable system for our residential ratepayers.
“In the longer term, a downward pressure on rates can only be achieved through encouraging sustainable growth and attracting new business and development in the region, and that is something that will be a key focus for the new council.
“I encourage residents to review the 2024-25 draft budget documents and participate in the process, as community input helps council prioritise and allocate resources effectively.
The 2024-25 draft budget will be available online for review at sdrc.qld.gov.au/living-here/have-your-say from Wednesday 12 June.
Hard copies will also be available at council’s administration buildings and libraries. Feedback can be emailed to mail@sdrc.qld.gov.au or submitted at council’s Administration Buildings in Warwick and Stanthorpe.
Following public consultation, the final draft budget will be presented to councillors for adoption at a meeting on Wednesday 24 July.
