Mayor Greg Campbell praises Cloncurry budget

The budget handed down on Tuesday has an operating budget of $50.4m with a capital budget of $33.8m.

Capital works include $5 million into stage 3 of Sheaffe Street, $2.4 million to commence construction of the Carl Katter Bridge upgrade and $4.7 million to the implementation of the sewage treatment plan. 

A total of $5.3m will be spent on water and sewerage upgrades while $2.3m will go to town and rural road maintenance as well as $900,000 on a reseal program.

Money will also go to John Flynn Place and the Recreation Grounds ($400,000), the acquisition of Corella Dam ($140,000) with $75,000 to go towards a tourism strategy and $135,000 to an economic development plan.

Mayor Greg Campbell said the budget invested in the Shire’s future.

“We are creating more to see and do in and around Cloncurry for both locals and tourists with initiatives promoting lifestyle, leisure and health,” Cr Campbell said.

“Council has allocated funds to retain The Heart of Australia Bus (which) will provide access to specialist health services for our community over multiple visits to Cloncurry.”

Cr Campbell said the budget would help building a robust economy over the next two decades.

“We are really excited about the redevelopment of Florence Clarke Parke and creating a space that families can enjoy for generations to come,” he said. “We will continue to progress the acquisition of Corella Dam which adds another fantastic leisure asset for the Shire. We will commence planning for the redevelopment of John Flynn Place and the Recreational Grounds to make this area a more functional and integrated space.” 

He said rate rises were kept to a minimum with on average a 2% increase.

“Other sectors such as mining and intensive accommodation industries have increased by up to 7%,” he said. “Improving infrastructure is also a key focus of this budget, investing in infrastructure provides capacity for our Shire to grow”.