Council 2026/27 Budget and Rates
Council has issued its mid-year rates notices and I have already received complaints from ratepayers regarding the increase to rates.
For clarity, Council recently adopted its 2026/27 budget by majority vote of four to three, with Mayor Tom Sharp, Cr Amanda Hay and myself voting against the budget.
Once increases to rates, waste charges and other levies are considered, the ‘real’ rate increase for an average ratepayer will be in the vicinity of 10 to 11 per cent.
Much of this increase is due to systemic failures resulting in cost blow outs to Council projects, and ever increasing expenses within the organisation that are simply unsustainable.
I don’t believe it is fair or reasonable for ratepayers to bear the cost of waste and inefficiency within the Council.
In my opinion, a failure by councillors to hold the Council CEO and council administration accountable for the performance of Council, is a failure to carry out their responsibilities to the people of the region they are elected to represent.
Canungra Show Rural Ambassadors
It was a pleasure to be one of the judges and attend the presentation of the Canungra Show Rural Ambassadors for 2026/27.
Congratulations to the winners and runners up in the Junior, Senior and Rural Ambassador awards.
All of the participants were of the highest quality and selecting the winners was incredibly difficult. The Canungra Show is on Saturday, August 22 and is sure to be an enjoyable day out for the whole family!
Christmas in July Dinner
Thank you to the Canungra Chamber of Commerce for hosting the Christmas in July fundraising dinner at the Canungra School of Arts on Saturday July 18.
Proceeds will go towards purchasing Christmas lights for DJ Smith Park.
The dinner was very well attended and I would like to acknowledge everyone who attended for their support of the Chamber.
I’m sure we will be in for a treat with our Christmas lights this year!
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