Budget 2009/10: Keeping Cairns Confident
OUR CHALLENGES
- significant reductions in Council revenue
- cost increases for Council, including electricity, building materials, staff and fuel
- cost shifting by the State Government requiring Council to provide a wider range of services with little extra funding
- a responsibility to maintain services, create jobs and grow the city during the economic downturn
OUR RESPONSE
This year's budget is framed around five strategic responses to the economic downturn, under the theme “Keeping Cairns Confident”.
The priorities in the 2009/10 budget have been selected in response to the challenges before us, and the drivers behind the budget are:
1. Building community infrastructure
2. Fostering vibrant communities
3. Creating and protecting jobs
4. Financial Responsibility
5. A sustainable economy
ACTION PLAN
The Budget 2009/10 Action Plan - Keeping Cairns Confident - outlines the challenges, opportunities and commitments Council has made to each of the five key policies listed above. Download the Action Plan to read more (PDF 370kb).
DIVISIONAL HIGHLIGHTS
MEDIA RELEASES
Council finds $8m in budget savings
- Cairns Regional Council has tightened the belt significantly to find $8 million in savings for the 09/10 budget year. Read more...
Rates rise to save the Reef
- Residential rates will rise by 6 to 8 per cent across the region in the 09/10 financial year. Read more...
Rural Rates a mixed bag in 09/10
- The equalisation of the former Cairns City Council and Douglas Shire Council rating systems will see general rates for rural properties rise in some areas and fall in others this year. Read more...
Support to business increased
- Commercial rates are set to rise by an average of 7 per cent in 09/10 for commercial properties and will be used to fund a raft of measures that will bolster the regional economy. Read more...
$159 million in 09/10 capital works
- Transport, community and sporting infrastructure and renewal programs are some of the big ticket items in Cairns Regional Council’s $159 million capital works budget for 2009/10. Read more...
Savings found through sustainability
- The 2009/10 budget has focused on encouraging sustainable practices in Council and the community to save ratepayer dollars. Read more...
Community a priority in 09/10
- Cairns reputation as a bustling and vibrant region will continue through funding provided in the 2009/10 Council budget. Read more...
Budget boosts economic development
- Cairns Regional Council will provide more than $2 million to build the regional economy in the 2009/10 budget. Read more...
Barrier Reef number one priority
- Council will continue to protect the future of the Great Barrier Reef through the $188 million Cleaner Seas initiative that comes online in the 09-10 budget year. Read more...
