BUDGET DELIVERS KEY PROJECTS ACROSS THE SHIRE

Balonne Shire Council has handed down its largest budget in recent years with a total revenue of $108.67M and expenditure of $90.17M for a broad range of projects and programs across the Shire.

This achievement is the culmination of many years working towards financial sustainability and lobbying for change in the distribution of the Federal Assistance Grants.

Council has maintained a good position to increase revenue through contract works with the achievement of ISO accreditation for its quality, environmental and safety systems for transport and infrastructure along with maintaining Transport & Main Roads accreditation.

Balonne Shire Mayor Samantha O’Toole said Council’s commitment to fiscal responsibility has put us in a position to be able to deliver over and above for the residents of Balonne.

“This budget is in line with our Corporate Plan and goal to maintain strategic investment in infrastructure whilst continuing to deliver projects and programs that enhance a sense of community.

“Having the budget in such a strong position allows us to continue delivering projects that aim to boost quality of life and ensure Balonne Shire remains a vibrant place to live and visit.”

The key focus for 2023/2024 budget will be the finalisation of the following key projects, the majority of which were made possible through State and Federal funding:

- Upgrade of Victoria Street (Federal Local Roads Community Infrastructure funds (LRCIP) and Federal Murray Darling Basin Economic Development Program (MDBEDP))

- Dirranbandi Rail & River Precinct Federal Murray Darling Basin Economic Development Program (MDBEDP))

- Balonne Shire Business Improvement Program (beautification project for shop facades and energy efficiency (MDBEDP)

- Balonne Shire Business Mentoring program (MDBEDP)

- Betterment road programs on Jakelwar-Goodooga Road and Whyenbah Road (Queensland Reconstruction Authority – QRA)

- $50M in Flood recovery road works (QRA)

- Improvement to the Beardmore Dam Facility (Queensland’s Fishing Infrastructure Grant and Works for Queensland (QFIG-W4Q))

Council will also commence delivery of the following key projects in 2023/2024:

- St George Industrial Development (LRCIP)

- Mungindi Water Security Project (New South Wales Cross Board fund – NSWCBISF)

- Expansion of the St George cemetery

- Construction of staff accommodation (Works for Queensland)

ENDS