NEWSPORT NEWSFEED: Cyclone Jasper blows Council budget by $6.2 million
Tuesday, October 29
The financial hit to Douglas Shire Council from Cyclone Jasper has been put into black and white with the Financial Statements for the year ending June 30 presented at the October 29 meeting of council showing a $6.2m deficit compared to the budgeted operating surplus of $118,000.
Council held a cash position at the end of the year of $29 million with a further $5 million in term deposit.
The report to council outlined the key impacts to the budget, predominantly driven by the devastation from Cyclone Jasper and the flooding that followed.
It included a drop in rate revenue and utilities that were down $465,000 due mainly to continued rain and adherence to Level 4 water restrictions.
Revenue from fees and charges also was under budget by $1.13m which included $780,000 in lost fees for the Daintree River Ferry, caravan park and pool fees.
There was also no prepayment of a Financial Assistance Grant of $5.1 million for 2024/25 in time to meet budget reporting requirements.
Staff resourcing issues meant employee expenses were $570,000 under budget.
Ergon-Energex Community Fund opens
Could your community group do with $10,000 this year?
The Ergon-Energex Community Fund is now open for applications from not-for-profit groups across Queensland.
Ergon Energy Network and Energex are looking for initiatives that will make a lasting difference in local communities, including projects with a focus on opportunities around renewable energy and sustainability, like solar, battery storage and energy literacy.
Chief Customer Officer of Ergon Energy and Energex, Michael Dart, believes this year’s fund will give back to communities at a time it’s needed most.
“We understand that Queenslanders could do with a bit of extra support in the current economic conditions faced by many communities, to see their organisation’s dreams come to life,’’ he said.
“We’re encouraging all eligible not-for-profit groups to apply so they can get a bit of relief to keep their communities thriving.’’
Port Douglas man killed in car crash
The Forensic Crash Unit is investigating a fatal single-vehicle rollover on Carnarvon Highway last night, October 28.
Initial investigations indicate at 6.07pm a Toyota Hilux was travelling north on Carnarvon Highway, approximately 25km north of Roma, when it veered across the road and overturned on the dirt shoulder.
A 30-year-old Port Douglas male driver died at the scene.
A 30-year-old female passenger was not injured.
Wangetti Trail under repair
Sections of the new $47m Wangetti Trail are already in need of repairs, despite stage one of the project opening to the public only last month.
And unconfirmed reports suggest a cyclist suffered a broken leg in an accident on the trail the first week it was opened and heated exchanges between cyclists and walkers are already happening. FULL STORY
Tree felling concerns
Local letter writer Helen Walker says Council just can't help themselves when it comes to eating out of the palms of the developers at the cost of our trees and wildlife. LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Double Island restoration
Efforts to restore Double Island, located off the coast from Ellis Beach, are gaining momentum as the community and government collaborate to revitalise this once-thriving destination. Double Island, known to the local Yirrgay people as Wangal Djungay, holds cultural significance as the resting place of Gudju Gudju, the Rainbow Serpent. FULL STORY
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