General News
30 May, 2025
Tough Budget for TRC
RATEPAYERS can expect a tough budget from the Tablelands Regional Council this year as it faces “the most challenging budget yet”.
At last Thursday’s council meeting, Mayor Rod Marti warned there were a lot of difficult decisions to be made as investment forecasts had increased dramatically from the previous term.
He said council would consider getting rid of “under-used assets to build up our cash reserves”.
“This will be Council’s most challenging budget as we bring estimates for the replacement of critical community infrastructure onto the books by way of our 10-year Capital Works Program and long-term budget,” he said.
“This includes major infrastructure projects like the Atherton and Yungaburra sewerage treatment plants, and the Atherton Water Security Plan.
“The combined estimate for the delivery of these three critical projects alone is in excess of $100 million in 2025, and these costs will start to impact next financial year and the financial years to follow.
This came on top of the usual costs of maintaining assets just under $900 million, including many hundreds of buildings, pipes, roads and other infrastructure.
“Many of our strategies will have beneficial flow-on effects such as making more vacant land available for housing, which is in very short supply,” Mayor Marti said.
Council CEO Dr Nikola Stepanov said business needed to change to address the costs for the replacement of critical infrastructure.
“At the moment our rateable base is too low when you consider our current financial position, the cost of providing services at the current levels, and the cost of maintaining buildings and infrastructure,” she said.
“The new financial year will be a very busy time as plans are put in place to ensure financial and operational sustainability. This includes... reviewing the business structure of the organisation.”
