Greetings,
Well, the first Moreton Bay Regional Council budget for 2008/09 has finally been determined and adopted. It was not an easy process. Due to timelines of the election and budget being so close it was decided before the election that each Council would do its own budget for the next year and then the three would be joined together to make one budget.
Waste: We have equalised costs in the waste area across the three Councils. Everybody in the region will be paying the same. Free tipping for residents is preserved and is now available to all residents of the Region. Businesses and commercial operators still have to pay.
Water & Sewerage: In regard to water we basically increased what all residents are paying now by $68. This will cover the cost of increased water charges from the new State controlled bulk water authority. We are working on bringing the costs of water and sewerage to a level basis over a couple of budget years.
General Rate: The general rate was a huge problem as the differences in method of rating, minimum rate, discounts, rebates, capping and averaging were different in all three old Councils. Eventually we decided to leave rates pretty much as they were and the only thing we touched this year was the pensioner rebate. This is now standardised for all new pensioners at $200 a year. Present Redcliffe and Pine pensioners will keep their current rebates until they move.
The State has given the new amalgamated Councils four years to get everything standardised.
There is $6M in this year’s budget to sychronise computer systems so next year the job should be a little easier.
The recent Farmers Market held at North Lakes in Town Park on Lake Eden was a huge success. Even though the weather was not the best, there were lots of stalls and a huge variety of fresh produce. The Farmers Market will be held on the first Sunday of each month rain hail or shine from 7am – 12 noon.
On Monday 7 July I officially opened Bounty Boulevard North Lakes. This road will complete the loop from Discovery, Bounty and the Endeavour connection from Bridgehaven to the Town Centre.
Construction of a new Medical Centre on Cnr Winn & Gregor Streets and Qld Health facility on Cnr Memorial Dr & Endeavour Blvd are well underway and should be opened in the first half of 2009.
On 5th July I had the pleasure of enjoying the artistic talents of some of our youth at the “Mash It Up Short Film Festival” organised by Council’s Pine Rivers Libraries. The Over 15’s winner of $500 and People’s Choice Award of $100 were local North Lakes lads Phillip Gibbs, Keifer Miller and Andrew Visser for their mashup “Extreme Pathways Adventure – North Lakes” made at the Pathways Library. Please encourage your children to visit their local library to get details of what events are happening in the area.
If your youngsters are looking for something fun to do on Friday 25 July the Christian City Church DC Youth are holding an “Under 18s Dance Party” at the North Lakes Community Centre from 7-10pm. Entry is $10. For more information phone 3500 9999.
If I can assist any resident further with any matters please call me.
Julie Greer
Councillor for Division 4
Moreton Bay Regional Council
P O Box 5070
STRATHPINE QLD 4500
Council : 3480 6666
Office : 3480 6705
Mobile: 0409 274 517
FOR 24 HR EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE FROM COUNCIL CALL 3480 6666.