Budget Highlights

The Paroo Shire Council’s 2021/2022 budget was adopted at a special meeting on 26th July, 2021.   It focuses on improved service delivery through staff training and the renewal or upgrade of infrastructure financed through approved grants.    Our main new project this year will be the construction of the Hot Springs and Riverwalk. It is proposed to extend the precinct area behind the Shire Hall to include a jetty, pontoon and riverboat cruise following the recent announcement of further funding towards this tourism project.

Work on flood damage repairs to shire roads to the value of about $33M will continue and be completed during the year and there is also allowance for $3M in capital roadworks and $1.9M for maintenance work so a large proportion of the budget will be spent on shire roads.

Major projects to the value of $4.6M included in this year’s budget are -    

Exclusion Fencing

Digital Connectivity across the rural sector

Eulo Flood Mitigation

Cunnamulla Landfill Site

Cunnamulla Swimming Pool Facilities Upgrade.

Other works to the value of $600,000 to be undertaken include –

Wyandra township beautification

Eulo playground refurbishment

Yowah town fencing and airport improvements

Cunnamulla Racecourse kitchen facility

A new land valuation for the Paroo Shire came into effect on 1st July, 2021 which has applied a wide range of increases in the value of rural land, up to over 300% for some properties.   In an effort to minimise the effect of these increases on ratepayers, Council has applied capping to all categories of land for general rates.   This will limit any increase in general rates to no more than10% of the previous year’s rates.  

The minimum general rate has been set as follows:-

$500 for Urban and Rural categories,

$550 for Urban Non Residental and Rural Residential categories

$375 for Mining Claims and Leases

Council will continue to offer a 10% discount on general rates if paid within 30 days and eligible Pensioners can receive a concession on their rate levies through the Council and State Government Pensioner Subsidy Schemes.

Water, Sewerage and Garbage charges have been kept to a minimum of between 1 and 2% in line with CPI.   This will assist with meeting increased costs associated with maintaining the current levels of service provided by the Council.

Overall the 2021/2022 budget encompasses the priorities of the Corporate Plan and provides a frame work for the Council to continue its aim of guiding the Paroo Shire towards a stronger and more sustainable future.