Community & Business
2 June, 2025
SDRC Connects With Locals on Budget
Southern Downs Regional Council (SDRC) has taken a positive initiative to connect with ratepayers with a fresh approach to listening to their concerns at a Community Information Session held at the Allora RSL last Friday.
In attendance were Mayor Melissa Hamilton and Councillors Morwenna Harslett and Carla Pidgeon.
The Councillors were well supported by Council Staff, all of whom answered the questions of local ratepayers on a face to face basis.
This information session provided ratepayers the ideal opportunity to interact with Councillors and Council Staff in an informal but effective manner.
SDRC is holding these sessions in preparation for its 2025/2026 Budget and the object is to explain not just to ratepayers but also business owners, and anyone else interested, in how and why the Council spends its revenue.
Local Government is the form of government that has the most direct and intimate contact with people so this initiative by Council seems most appropriate, welcome and necessary.
People attending these sessions will get a clear overall snapshot of where rates are spent across Council’s functions and what services and infrastructure are funded.
To view SDRC’s draft budget and make a submission, visit
sdrc.qld.gov.au/living-here/have-your-say/2025-26-budget
Submissions close 9 June.
