Delivering on Our Vision for a Better Balonne

Delivering on Our Vision for a Better Balonne

•   Council will deliver over $9.3m in capital projects and $10.3m in operational projects - 68% funded by State and Federal Government grant revenue.

•   Forecast operating deficit (after capital) of $146,000.

Balonne Shire Council today adopted a conservative budget for the 2020-21 financial year, with no increase in rate revenue and a focus on delivering grant funded projects.

Balonne Shire Mayor Samantha O’Toole acknowledged that outside influences, including enduring drought, the recent flood event and COVID-19, presented Council and the Balonne Shire communities with ongoing economic challenges.

“I want to thank the community for their support and cooperation during the February flood event and the COVID-19 restrictions. Council is conscious of the enduring economic hardship being felt across the Shire and we’re taking action to ensure our economy can bounce back as quickly as possible.”

"This year, as with previous years, the budget will have a deficit. We have taken all possible steps to mitigate ongoing operating deficits while doing our bit to protect ratepayers, support local businesses and stimulate the economy, as we deliver our funding programs,” said the Mayor.

Council will extend the discount period from 30 days to 60 days for the August levy to give people more time to pay and take advantage of the 10% discount. While food shop licence fees will be waived to assist those impacted by the COVID-19 restrictions.

Utility charges will not increase for water, waste and sewerage. Council’s three tier pedestal charges will now be one standard rate of $250.00 per pedestal. Council’s Environmental special charge, Urban Animal Special Charge and Feral Animal Special Rate will continue without an increase.

Announcements have been made on future funding including $5m for a new library and innovation hub in St George and $800,000 for a country university hub, along with $1.18m Works for Queensland and $1.14m Local Community Infrastructure & Road funds. The 2020-21 Budget will see the implementation of these projects once funding agreements have been executed.

"Our 2020-21 budget continues to build on the work already done to realise our vision of connected, innovative communities, where opportunities are abundant and economies are strong," the Mayor said.

The 2020-21 Budget and details of associated fees and charges will shortly be available at

2020-21 Budget & Details

For more information;
Balonne Shire Mayor Samantha O’Toole; m: 0428 887 100, e: Samantha.O'Toole@balonne.qld.gov.au