Mayor’s first Budget set to deliver a surplus

Mayor's first Budget set to deliver a surplus

Lockyer Valley Mayor, Councillor Tanya Milligan is preparing to deliver her first Budget and for the first time in the history of Lockyer Valley Regional Council, it's set to produce a planned surplus.

Mayor Milligan said the community spoke at this year's local government elections and both she and her colleagues had listened.

Throughout the recent election campaign, all of the elected Councillors, including myself, paid very close attention to what the community was saying and this Budget is our opportunity to prove that, she said.

This Budget is really about getting Council back on track to a path of long-term financial sustainability with a strong focus on core service delivery.

We have deferred expenditure on the relocation of the Gatton Showgrounds and the Gatton West Industrial Zone precinct and will forgo attendance at Australia's largest agricultural event, the Sydney Royal Easter Show, she said.

Mayor Milligan said Council was on track to deliver a planned surplus when it handed down the 2016/17 Budget.

Albeit a small one, but a surplus nonetheless, which is wonderful news for the Lockyer Valley community.

Councillors have been united in helping me achieve this goal and I believe we are on track to really help shape the future of the Lockyer Valley for the better.

In coming weeks, each Councillor will be announcing projects being funded throughout their portfolios.

The recent Laidley and Gatton Shows were the perfect platform for myself, and my fellow Councillors to discuss our plans for the future of the region, she said.

Finance Portfolio Chair, Councillor Chris Wilson said while there had certainly been a number of cut backs made throughout the organisation, overall the proposed Budget was a positive one for the region.

There is no doubt this is a tough Budget and some hard decisions had to be made as we steer the community forward, but overall I think we have got the balance right, he said.

We anticipate a moderate rate increase based on new land valuations this year as we tighten our belt while still providing new infrastructure, including a new Laidley Library and children's play pool at the Lockyer Valley Sports and Aquatic Centre, he said.

The 2016/17 Budget will be handed down on Monday 25 July.