Council Adopts 2024-25 Budget: A Strategic Pathway to Sustainability and Growth

Cook Shire Council is pleased to announce the adoption of the 2024-25 Budget, a comprehensive financial plan designed to uphold essential services, support community development, and ensure the sustainable growth of the Shire. Despite facing significant economic challenges, including the ongoing recovery from Tropical Cyclone Jasper and rising cost of living pressures, Council has delivered a balanced and forward-looking budget.

Mayor Robyn Holmes expressed her confidence in the budget’s ability to foster sustainable development and community well-being: “Despite the growing economic challenges, this budget is a testament to our commitment to maintaining essential services and supporting our community through the current cost of living challenges.”

“Despite the growing economic challenges, this budget is a testament to our commitment to maintaining essential services and supporting our community through the current cost of living challenges.” Cook Shire Mayor, Cr Robyn Holmes

Operating Result: Council has forecast a positive operating result for the 2024-25 financial year when excluding depreciation expenses, with a projected revenue of $104 million and operational costs of $118 million. This demonstrates our strong financial management and ability to generate revenue that supports our community’s needs. While the $15.6 million in depreciation—an accounting measure of the wear and tear on our assets—leads to a reported deficit of $13.175 million, it does not impact our actual cash flow or ability to provide essential services and invest in infrastructure. Our focus remains on maintaining and improving the Shire’s facilities and services, ensuring a sustainable and thriving community.

Budget Commitments:

Sustainable Services: The 2024-25 budget prioritises continuing free recycling programs, access to community facilities, and support for events, the arts, and sport and recreation across the Shire.

Rate Adjustments: A 5.5% increase in general rates has been adopted. Mayor Holmes noted, “This rise in general rates is necessary to manage the increasing costs of delivering vital services and maintaining Council’s extensive asset base.”

Support and Subsidies: To support ratepayers, an early payment discount of $100 per annum ($50 per rates notice) is available, and rates relief for those affected by Tropical Cyclone Jasper. Additionally, Council has updated details of its Pensioner Rebate Subsidy Scheme – removing eligibility requirements regarding the type of dwelling on a property, as well as the requirement for full payment to be made by the due date – making the rebate more accessible to pensioners.

Operational Projects: Council’s 2024-25 list of Operational projects includes:

• $52,500 towards the expansion and beautification of Coen Cemetery
• $30,000 to develop a comprehensive plan to improve youth engagement
• $20,000 towards developing and delivering a Water Education Program
• $20,000 to subsidise the cost of dog de-sexing for Cooktown residents
• $20,000 towards the rehabilitation of Perfume Gully in Lakeland

Capital Works: Council’s Capital Works Program focuses on renewing aging essential infrastructure and balancing these with community needs. Key projects include:

• $ 1.75 million upgrade of Borefields filter and chlorination systems
• $ 1 million upgrade of Cooktown Shire Hall to include all-access toilets and carparks
• $ 460,000 towards replacing Laura Reservoir
• $400,000 Stage 1 Cameron Creek Road for installation of drainage structures
• $ 350,000 replacement and upgrade of John Street Oval Lights
• $ 200,000 towards structural roof repairs on Cooktown Creative Arts Building 

"Our 2024-25 budget is about managing unprecedented inflationary cost pressures while delivering critical services and infrastructure. We are steadfast in our mission to deliver responsible and effective governance while ensuring that the Shire continues to thrive and evolve.”

For more information contact Cook Shire Council via email to mail@cook.qld.gov.au or by phoning 4082 0500.

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