Big spends on road repairs and water infrastructure in first budget from new Council, rate increases kept low

COUNCIL 24-25 BUDGET

David Gardiner

Journalist

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Mayor Lisa Scomazzon and the new Douglas Shire Council have delivered their first budget. Picture: Michael Warren

Douglas Shire residents are heading into the new financial year with one of the lowest council rates increases in the state.

As one of the key features of its first budget, increases set by the recently-elected new Council under Mayor Lisa Scomazzon will see a median increase of $66 per year for properties used as a principle place of residence, and $108 for non-principle places of residence. 

“I believe that we have managed to get the best result we can to keep the broader general rate rise for residents as low as possible whilst committing to maintaining service levels,” the Mayor said in her budget address to the chamber.

“Most homeowners will see a rate rise of just over a dollar per week, while investors can expect a weekly increase of just over two dollars (utilities not included),” she said. 

“This is below CPI and far less than some neighbouring Councils.”

There’ll be further big expenditures on upgrading and renewing the shire’s water network following severe damage from Cyclone Jasper last December.

There already have been major upgrades this year, with new filters installed at Mossman and Whyanbeel improving production rates, major pipe installations replacing flood-damaged mains and back-up water tanks purchased. 

In 2024-2025 Council has budgeted nearly $7-million more for water infrastructure alone.

Roads 

Roads are also up among the big ticket items, with unsealed roads one of the priorities.

“More than 11 million dollars has been allocated in this budget to repair unsealed roads both north and south of the Daintree River,” the Mayor said.

“I take this opportunity to thank both the Federal and Queensland Governments for recognising the enormity of the recovery process. 

“Council’s collaboration with them continues.”

Sugar wharf & ferry

The Port Douglas Sugar Wharf also gets attention in the new budget, with $240,000 for stage two improvements and $100,000 for a concrete jetty.

While Council is now officially on the lookout for a private operator to take over the Daintree Ferry, in the meantime it still has to keep maintenance on the vessel going as long as it remains in Council’s hands – $150,000 has been allocated for this.

Splash Park

“Council has allocated an additional $1.56 million dollars to build the highly-anticipated Splash Park at Port Douglas. This is a priority project for the community, according to feedback Council has received during the planning stages,” Ms Scomazzon said. 

Surplus in high $200Ks

The Mayor said in the budget address that Council is aiming for a $272,000 surplus in 2024-25.

“As your elected representatives, it is our responsibility to ensure the efficient allocation of resources and the overall well-being of our shire,” she said.

“I believe that this budget reflects that commitment to recovery, sustainability and the betterment of our community. 

“This year has been unlike any other due to ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper and the recovery process that continues to this day.

“Council has also considered the struggles many have faced over the past six months. Some families and organisations have been displaced while their homes are restored or rebuilt while some businesses have suffered disruptions to trade due to flood damage.”

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