Mayor's Message Budget 2022/23

On behalf of Council and the community, I’m pleased to present the Winton Shire Council Budget for 2022/23.

Last year was very busy for Council with a large capital works program and this will continue into 2022/23.  A total of $7m in Capital Works Projects & Operating Expenses will be carried forward to the new financial year.  This is due to the size of the Capital Works Budget, the difficulty in sourcing contractors, the lingering effects of COVID and the shortage of applicants to fill many of the vacant roles within Council. These are not just issues for Winton but are being experienced nationwide.  I am hopeful the wheel will turn in the new financial year, and we can fill some very important positions on Council.

One of the key strategic documents to be considered as part of the Budget adoption is the Corporate Plan for 2022/27.  This a very important document that will guide elected members and council’s decision making for the next 5 years. The 22/27 Corporate Plan has been developed with consultation and feedback from community, staff, and elected members.

The Budget for 2022/23 will total $51.4m (comprising $26.2m in operating expenditure and $25.2 in capital expenditure).  When the depreciation expense of $5.3m is deducted, this still leaves a budget of $46.1m

One of the challenges we face is maintaining services with a small rates base. We have kept the increase to Rates & Service Charges to 2.5%, which is well below the current national inflation rate of 5.1% for the March 2022 quarter.  Council continues to offer a 15% discount on Rates and Service Charges if they are paid within the discount period. The rates incentive draw has been maintained along with rates concessions for first home buyers and investment in residential dwellings and commercial / business renovation or construction.

Before preparing a Capital Works Program, it’s essential that core operational expenses and services are sufficiently funded. Once again Council will be delivering a large range of services that assist families, youth, rural residents and the elderly. Many of these services are essential to our community’s wellbeing and development;

• Community & Individual Support
• Family Support Program
• Community Options
• Youth Development
• Community Care Services
• Child Care Services
• Community Care Packages
• NDIS Program
• 60 & Better Program
• Sport & Recreation
• Library
• Winton Aerodrome
• Showgrounds
• Swimming Pool
• Recreation Ground

The Capital Works portion of the budget is almost $25.2m with an emphasis on the renewal and replacement of ageing infrastructure. The projects selected will keep our community thriving for the next financial year and

provide a wide range of opportunities for our local contractors and businesses, while keeping Council’s workforce busy.  The Capital Works program consists of: -

The largest component of the capital budget is the Engineering projects totalling almost $16.7m which includes, but limited to;

• Flood Damage Works
• Rural & Town Reseal Program
• Showgrounds Entrance Upgrade
• Section of Winton – Jundah Rd (Lark Quarry) Construction
• New Floodways

Other projects also planned for the Current Financial year include;

• Completion of new housing estate
• Commencement of the next stage of the Industrial Estate Development
• Continued upgrade of showground facilities
• Upgrades at the aerodrome
• New Units to house council staff
• Diamantina Gardens Electrical Upgrade
• Hollow Log Ablution Block

There are several significant road construction projects planned over the next 12 months;

• Upgrade of approximately 7km of the Kennedy Development Road
• Approximately 6km on the Winton – Richmond Road
• The first section of a 3-year program to complete sealing of the road to Lark Quarry

These projects will not only increase connectivity across the shire but create a continuity of work for our road construction crews. Hopefully we can continue these projects over the coming years to create a safe and secure road network.

Rural services play an essential role throughout the Shire and contribute to the prosperity of Winton. Council will continue to support ongoing programs and initiatives such as Wild Dog Management with $308,000 committed to the Wild Dog Baiting Program (including labour) and continued management and upgrading of our Stock Routes & Saleyard Facilities.

The life blood of any rural grazing industry is the local road network being maintained at an appropriate standard. Council has once again committed $1,400,000 for the rural road maintenance budget.  There is also a budget of $300,000 allocated for grid installation, cleaning & repairs.

Council has been successful in obtaining in excess of $7.9m for Flood Damage restoration & emergent works from the 2021/22 rain events. Such work will continue our aim of improving the standard of our road network

that totals in excess of 2400km.  This funding will enable Council to maintain an active external work force and the engagement of local contractors that provide such a great service to the Winton Shire.

One of the most important initiatives we’re implementing in 22/23 is the First Nations Closing the Gap Strategy which, we hope, will go a long way to closing the gap with our indigenous residents.  We have not only funded this strategy to target the actions to be developed but also to complete the Indigenous Map of the Winton Shire that’s planned to be etched into the concrete in Elderslie Street.

While endeavouring to create a budget for all the shire we have maintained a substantial amount in reserves of $8.1m. This will help fund important projects in the future.

Finally, I would like to thank Councillors, Directors & Staff for the time & effort they’ve put into this budget. Balancing a budget while maintaining essential services and developing a capital works program, during these difficult times, is getting tougher each year, especially with only 12.5% of our revenue being generated from Rates & Utility Charges.  Council is committed to making Winton a prosperous community that will continue thriving into the future.

The full budget can be viewed at www.winton.qld.gov.au                                                                               

Cr Gavin Baskett

MAYOR