MEDIA RELEASE - TORRES SHIRE COUNCIL – BUDGET 2024/2025

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Published
5th August 2024

Torres Shire Council adopted its 2024/2025 Budget at a Special Council Meeting on Monday 15th July 2024. 

 

Budget Preparation

The preparation of Council’s Budget 2024-2025 was very challenging, whilst it aims to minimise financial burden to the community, Council also has the obligation to deliver essential services such as roads, water, sewerage, rubbish collection and waste management during an evolving fiscal environment.

Mayor Elsie Seriat OAM stated that, “The Budget reflects Council’s Corporate Plan and Operational Plan, both of which clearly outline Council’s strategic direction. In adopting its budget under the Local Government Act 2009 and the Local Government Regulation 2012, Council has made a deliberate decision to continue to invest in our local infrastructure for the coming year” she advised. 

Council carefully considered various economic factors that influence financial stability when determining this year's budget. One significant aspect is the added expenses associated with implementing this infrastructure, in addition to the regular increases in costs of goods and services.

 

Operating Revenue 

Council’s 2024-2025 budget totals $42.9 million, which includes operating expenses without depreciation of $23.6 million and capital expenditure of $19.4 million funded from a mix of rating and non-rating revenue and other funding sources. Council actively and successfully pursues state and federal government funding opportunities to assist in undertaking projects for our communities. This year, capital grants and subsidies included in the budget amount to $15 million. 

 

Budget Highlights 

A total of $19.4 million capital projects is included in the budget of which Council is funding $4.3 million. Some of the projects funded for delivery in 2024-2025 are: 

  • Continuation of Community Housing Construction: $4,970,857
  • Road Works Projects: $3,330,501
  • Community Infrastructure Renewal Program: $1,180,000
  • Horn Island – Housing Growth Master Plan: $1,255,000
  • Continuation of Horn Island Airport Upgrade: $847,000
  • Construct Outdoor Gym Space at Horn Island: $415,000
  • Upgrade Thursday Island Swimming Pool Facilities: $334,590
  • Replace Horn Island Children’s Playground: $300,000
  • Sewerage Projects: $311,828

Council’s Nett General Rate levied for 2024/2025 will generate $1.27 million, which represents 5.3% of the $21.1 million operational expense (not including depreciation). 

 

Key Services 

Refuse management: -
Maintenance and operating costs: $2,332,366
Capital expenditure: $ 1,817,595
Roads, Streets, Drainage and Pathways: -
Maintenance and operating costs: $1,935,393
Capital expenditure: $3,330,501
Water Services: -
Maintenance and operating costs: $1,843,702
Sewerage Services: -
Maintenance and operating costs: $462,180
Capital expenditure: $311,828

 

Council provides recreational and hall facilities, including a library for the community. Total expenditure for 2024/2025 for these community assets excluding depreciation is $1,519,405. 

 

Budget Parameters used in developing the Budget

  • 5.4% increase to total general rates income.
  • Discount on rates for early payment is 10% and will apply on general rates only.
  • Service and utility charges increase of 4%.
  • Fees and Charges – extensive review of all fees completed including amalgamation of some fees Torres Shire Council is committed to the fundamental principles of good governance. Council is in a challenging position with this budget of having to do more with less. Whilst Council is dependent on Government grants and subsidies, investment opportunities have been recognised for future development. 

“Council continues to advocate on behalf of our community regarding the high costs of living that places a financial burden on the local community and will continue to advocate on behalf of our Shire and Region to ensure subsidies are forthcoming. Council will also continue to lobby for investments to continue the improvement and liveability of our Shire”, said Mayor Seriat. 

Torres Shire Council’s budget is open for public inspection at the Council Office. Summary details are also available on www.torres.qld.gov.au Members of the public requiring further information regarding the budget should contact the Chief Executive Officer on phone 4069 1336 or by email to dalassa.yorkston@torres.qld.gov.au

 

End Release.


TSC Media Centre
Contact: CEO Dalassa Yorkston
Mobile: 0429 691 333
Email: dalassa.yorkston@torres.qld.gov.au