Australia: Moreton Bay Budget Includes Funding for Dredging

Local roads, sport and recreational facilities and drainage infrastructure are the big winners in Moreton Bay Regional Council’s 2012/13 budget.

2012/13 budget includes funds for dredging operations. “The new arrangement will provide for a much-needed program of long-term dredging works.” Dick Waterfield, President of the Bribie Gardens Canal Association said. Mayor Allan Sutherland today announced more than $220 million would be spent maintaining, replacing and improving local roads, parks, stormwater and public facilities during the coming year.

“We’ve been listening intently to our community and residents have told us they want to see a bigger focus on the basics,” he said.

“The expectation is for more funding to be allocated to provide and improve the facilities they rely on and use everyday.”

Mayor Sutherland said council’s 2012/13 budget was balanced and contained a $6.5 million operating surplus.

He said during 2012/13 $131 million would be spent on transport infrastructure including roads and footpaths (up 25 percent), $59 million on parks, sport and recreation (up 9 per cent) and $11 million on stormwater and drainage infrastructure (up 80 per cent).

“Two years of extreme wet weather has also taken a huge toll on the region’s infrastructure, adding to our list of priority projects and making planned works all the more difficult,” he said.

“Moreton Bay Regional Council is also having to fund significant community projects that have been on the works list for decades.”

Mayor Sutherland said the total rates and charges for owner occupied properties in the Moreton Bay Region would on average continue to remain among the lowest in South East Queensland.

“It’s been a challenge. Council’s bottom line has taken a huge hit due to declining revenue from fees and charges as well as interest earnings,” he said.

“Federal and State Government cost shifting has also seen Moreton Bay Regional Council lose tens of millions of dollars in regional subsidies over the past two years.”

Mayor Sutherland said in line with other South East Queensland local governments; Moreton Bay Regional Council would now have a separate charge included on rate notices.

“For many years South East Queensland councils have applied separate and special charges to increase spending in community infrastructure, environment and recreation projects,” he said.

“The Regional Infrastructure Special Charge equates to $1 a week per property and will help council fund and fast track works in neighbourhoods across the region.

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Dredging Today Staff, June 29, 2012