By JONATHON HOWARD
SOUTHERN Downs Regional Council (SDRC) will increase general rates revenue by five per cent to ensure a budgetary surplus and to keep any future rate rises at a lower level.
SDRC Chief Executive Officer Andrew Roach said ratepayers would receive their rates notices this week and a 10 per cent discount applies if paid before August 30.
“Council has made every effort to bring down a practical and responsible budget and our recent organisational review and restructure means that we are more efficient in our service delivery,” he said.
“All departments have reviewed programs to identify priority areas and to invest in capital works projects that bring improvements for ratepayers and the regional generally.
“In 2013-’14 we will spend $8.56 million on road maintenance, $11.98 million to repair the flood damaged road network, $8.41 million for water and waste water capital works including $5 million for the Allora Water project and $3.1 million for parks and gardens operations.
“These are the `big ticket’ items and will bring long-term value to our region. We encourage ratepayers to look over the brochure that comes with their rate notice to see where we have allocated their rates funds.
“For those affected by the flooding associated with Tropical Cyclone Oswald in January this year, there will be a concession for primary production properties, small businesses and non-profit organisations. The concession offered is an agreement to defer payment of the rates up to a period of 180 days, with no loss of discount.
“Anyone wanting to qualify for the concession must fill out an application form, available on council’s website, by August 30,” he said.
