Gladstone Regional Council has handed down its 2020/21 Operational Plan and Budget, outlining its priorities over the next 12 months.

The Budget features a $64.8 million capital works program, which includes $27.2 million in State and Federal Government contributions.

Key capital projects to be funded this financial year include:
 
• $3.2m for Benaraby Landfill Cell Development
• $2.3m for building and electrical improvements at Gladstone Tondoon Botanic Gardens
• $1.55m for gravel road resheeting
• $1.4m for bridge replacements at Gorge Rd and John Clifford Way, Lowmead
• $730,000 for the Goondoon St footpath renewal
• $690,000 for the Agnes St carpark at Agnes Water
• $200,000 for safety improvements for Turkey Beach Rd.


“Despite the current uncertainty regarding the long-term impacts of COVID-19, Gladstone Regional Council is delivering a budget that ensures key projects are continued and new projects are brought forward to support continued employment opportunities,” Mayor Matt Burnett said.

In light of the impact of COVID-19 on the community and economy, he said the council would be freezing rates for the 2020/21 financial year.

“This means all ratepayers in Rural, Residential, Commercial and Light Industrial land categories (Rating Categories 1-16) will not pay more in general rates or service charges than they did last year,” Cr Burnett said.

“In order to give effect to the rates freeze, properties that would have otherwise received an increase due to the implementation of the rate cap, will receive a COVID-19 concession to reduce their effective general rate to be equivalent to the 2019/20 general rate levy.”

Cr Burnett also outlined freezes in relation to sewerage charges and water access charges.