Mayor Peter Taylor said the 2011/2012 budget combined fairness and responsibility at a time when economic pressures and natural disasters had handed us almost unprecedented challenges.
"The average increase in the general rate has been kept to 4.8% while the overall increase in rates and charges has been limited to 5.8% - largely due to the State Government's introduction of a new waste levy," he said.
"Compliance with new State Government legislation governing refuse tip management requires council to make significant capital investment in its existing facilities. Funding for this investment will be met through increased waste charges across various sites throughout the region.
"The events of December and January are still in our day to day thoughts, and the damage wreaked throughout the region has left many scars that are yet to heal. This year's $248 million Operating Budget, combined with the $364.5 million Capital Spend – and its focus on flood recovery and capital works – sees council strive to repair what was devastated eight months ago, as well as complete those projects already identified as necessary for the future growth of the region," the Mayor said.
"While these issues have required extra deliberation, I feel council has reached a final decision that is both affordable and fair," Financial and Sporting Services portfolio leader Cr Mike Williams said.