Council Budget: Proof, Not Promises

The Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry has welcomed Council’s focus on addressing the structural deficit and strengthening long-term financial sustainability, but says local businesses will be watching closely to ensure cost increases are matched by clear outcomes.

Chamber President Allan Milostic said businesses understand the pressure of balancing budgets and making difficult financial decisions.

“Businesses live within their means every single day. They don’t get to run deficits indefinitely – they have to make hard calls, cut costs, and deliver results,” Mr Milostic said.

The Chamber acknowledged the work Council has undertaken on rating reform over the past two years, however noted concern about the cumulative impact on commercial and industrial ratepayers.

“After an average increase of around 21 per cent last year, a further proposed increase of around 4 per cent is not insignificant for many operators. What businesses need now is clarity on what they are actually getting in return,” Mr Milostic said.

The Chamber said the key issue for local businesses is not simply the level of rates, but whether the investment translates into visible improvements in services, infrastructure, and the overall business environment.

“At the moment, businesses are under pressure from every direction – wages, payday super changes, insurance, energy, fuel, compliance and workforce shortages. Council rates are one more pressure point in an already stretched operating environment,” Mr Milostic said.

“First of July is shaping up to be one of the most expensive periods in recent memory for local businesses.”

Mr Milostic said the real measure of the budget will not be its adoption, but its delivery over the next 12 months.

“Budgets are easy to pass. The hard part is delivering outcomes people can actually see. Businesses and residents will be judging Council on whether they see real improvements in services, infrastructure, and economic conditions – not just line items on a page.”