Cook Shire adopts responsible 2023-24 budget

The 2023-24 budget took into account the current economic climate with escalating costs of living, and included only a 3 per cent general rate rise, Cook Shire Mayor Peter Scott said.

“Council is very conscious of the current cost of living pressures, and has worked hard to ensure a responsible budget that continues to deliver essential services to a high standard, while reducing costs wherever possible,” Cr Scott said.

“The $100 discount for prompt rates payments will remain and Council has also kept interest on overdue rates the same as last financial year, instead of raising it around 3 per cent in line with legislation.”

Budget highlights include:

• $97.8m budget to deliver a wide range of services and projects across the Shire
• $72.2m in projected State and Federal grants

Operational Projects

• $55.1m for ongoing maintenance to roads, footpaths, drainage, and public works
• $7.7m for provision of essential water, sewerage and waste services
• $3.1m for community lifestyle projects (pools, libraries, parks and community facilities)
• $200,000 to develop an accurate mapping system of Council’s water and wastewater network to support effective response times
• $30,000 grant program to encourage investment in business security upgrades, such as CCTV
• $30,000 grant program for innovative and environmentally sustainable projects
• $20,000 to subsidise the cost of dog de-sexing for Cooktown residents
• $20,000 for an economic development portal for those wanting to invest in Cook Shire
• $10,000 to implement Reconciliation Action Plan initiatives
• $10,000 to support initiatives of the Cook Shire Youth Council

Capital Projects:

$21.7m Capital Works Program ($19.2m grants) that includes:

• $20.9m for projects carried over from the 2022-23 financial year;
• $744,000 Council contribution towards the following new capital works:
  • $44,000 for repairs to the Coen Water Treatment Plant building;
  • $120,000 to replace pipework and valves at the Cooktown Sewerage Treatment Plant;
  • $200,000 for shovel ready projects;
  • $300,000 fleet replacement program; and
  • $80,000 for power improvements at Lions Park.

“Council has a difficult task in delivering services at the current level, or better, with a limited rate base, while keeping those rates and other fees as low as possible,” Cr Scott said.

“To do this, Council officers have worked extremely hard to manage ongoing costs and identify efficiencies to ensure costs are kept to a minimum.”

For more information, contact Cook Shire Council via email at mail@cook.qld.gov.au or phone on 4082 0500.