Council looks at ways to trim the budget

“The South Burnett is a growing region, with needs that require our staff look for increasingly more stringent ways to trim the budget, while continuing services at the current level” he said.  

Staff have been tasked to find savings within the budget and have continued to push towards a balanced budget. As a result, in the last two financial years, Council’s operations deficit has been more favourable than originally budgeted, (2020/2021 & 2021/2022) ensuring that best outcome for every dollar raised.

Borrowings of the South Burnett Regional Council have continued to decrease in the last three years and Council has kept the promise of no additional borrowings during this time.

Rates arrears have also decreased over the last two years since June 2020 from 10.2% to 8.28% through the hard work of staff by the June 2022 budget.

Mr Pitt added, “We know the community wants us to do more with less, and the staff have pulled together working to ensure that every dollar is used wisely for the benefit of the region and asking our finance staff to examine, line-by-line every cent outlaid and to look for better and more stringent ways of purchasing, contracting and outlaying funds.”

“Without the efforts of our staff, there is no way we could possibly make these savings and ensure the best outcomes for our region. We applaud their dedication and service in this area and appreciate their efforts,” Mr Pitt said.