ANNUAL REPORT HIGHLIGHTS INFRASTRUCTURE BOOST TO THE SHIRE

Council’s 2023/24 Annual Report has now been adopted by Council and it highlights a record spend of over $97 million on infrastructure, essential services and community initiatives for the residents of Balonne Shire.

Roads and infrastructure services accounted for the lion’s share of funding at a cost of around $76 million, including $53 million spent on flood recovery works.

A total of $13 million in capital funding assisted in upgrading our road network with betterment projects after multiple flood events over recent years.

Council’s financial statements were audited and certified by the Queensland Audit Office.

More broadly, the report shows our region produced around $493million in Gross Regional Product, which places the region 8th in Queensland in terms of agricultural production and output.

Mayor Samantha O’Toole was pleased to present the annual report, which outlines a record year of investment into infrastructure and community initiative throughout the Shire.

“This year was a huge effort by the entire Council team to deliver a record budget of over $97 million in infrastructure and upgrades for the residents of the Shire”, said Mayor O’Toole.

“Delivering this level of infrastructure and community initiatives is even more remarkable given Council’s limited annual rates income is around $11 million.

“This kind of investment was only made possible through grant funding secured by Council.

“As a Council, we invested a lot of time and energy into focusing efforts on improving the livability of our Shire with the appropriate infrastructure.

“The year ranged from beautification works in the heart of Dirranbandi and St George, to our ongoing cross-border collaboration to support the needs of Mungindi residents with a new boat ramp and delivery of the water security project.

“We want our Shire to be more than just a great place to visit, we want it to be renowned as a great place to live and set up business, which was further supported with the delivery of our business improvement and mentoring programs.

“I commend this past year’s Annual Report to residents of Balonne, to inform you of the initiatives Council is delivering to make our Shire a better place for all.”

Copies of the Annual Report are available by contacting or visiting Council’s main administration office and online at https://www.balonne.qld.gov.au/council/publications/annual-reports