Community budget unveiled; Council hands down a Budget ‘for the people’

$300,000 has been allocated to the Mary Cairncross Ecological Park

Sunshine Coast Council has handed down its 2024-25 Budget that it says promises to “make a difference to people’s daily lives”.

Council says the Budget prepares the region for growth and a bright future, while providing a renewed focus on supporting the community now. Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli said the Budget included benefits for everyone.

“Community is at the heart of every decision made in this Budget,” Mayor Natoli said.

“We are putting community first, with a focus on community spaces, parklands and infrastructure for all.

“We’re improving transport, roads, pathways and community facilities, ensuring smoother travel and better sports and community spaces.

“Our residents will be supported thanks to increased pensioner rates concessions, initiatives for housing and family violence prevention and programs to shape a healthy, connected community.

“We’ve also made changes to our rate charges, to ensure fairness despite the State’s increased property valuations.

“Our local businesses and our economy are being supported with a capital works program that is creating jobs.

“Our environment is also front and centre with projects and programs that protect our habitat, rejuvenate our ecosystems and restore our coastal areas.

“This Council wanted this Budget to contain benefits for all residents no matter where they live, from the north to the south, east to west and everywhere in between.

“We are mindful of our community’s expectations and want to deliver the high standard of services our residents and visitors deserve while balancing that with being financially responsible.”

Mayor Natoli said there would be more funds for Council’s vast outdoor operations, which cared for almost 1100 hectares of parklands and reserves – equivalent to almost 1500 football fields.

“This Budget is a result of listening and responding to what our community wants–it is designed to reduce wait times for trees to be trimmed and grass to be mowed.

“In fact, over the next four years, we will boost anticipated spending by almost $28 million, investing in our parks and gardens, including increasing our arborist activities.”

2024-25 Minimum General Rate Notice

The majority of owner-occupiers will remain on the minimum general rate of $1,477 per annum – an increase of $70.50 per annum (5 per cent) or $1.36 per week.

More than 60 per cent of residential ratepayers pay the minimum general rate.

The 2024-25 Budget was adopted at a Special Meeting on Thursday, June 20.

For more information and full budget details, visit Council’s website.