Mayor Mark Jamieson has used the first Ordinary Meeting of the new council to re-affirm the organisation’s commitment to fiscal responsibility.
The Mayor’s comment’s coincided with the release of the monthly financial report which showed council was ahead of its forecast operating position.
“The first council delivered responsible budgets, and this council will be just as committed to deliver value for money for ratepayers,” Mayor Jamieson said.
“The members of the new team will make every dollar count and the next few weeks will be spent bedding down our first budget.
“We face some tough challenges: limited time to finalise budget due to delayed election, declining revenue from rates, and less interest from investments.
“If we left everything the same council would need to raise rates by 5.1% just to cover costs – but we know people are doing it tough, and we will find savings.
“We will focus on strengthening the economy, delivering quality services, while protecting the environment.”
Tomorrow the Mayor will travel to Brisbane to meet with the Sunshine Coast’s State members of parliament.
“I am determined to work with my state counterparts to get the best results for the region so it can reach its potential.
“My initial informal discussions have been positive and I look forward to productive talks in Brisbane.
“We must work as a team to deliver for the Sunshine Coast – and I think there is a lot of goodwill from everyone who represents this great region.”