Rockhampton Regional Council has announced a record $170 million capital works program to stimulate the economy in the wake of the COVID-19 crisis.

The council said also that the average residential ratepayer would benefit from a rates freeze, delivered through a $70 reduction to be applied to the first rates bill when it was issued later this month.

Mayor Margaret Strelow said results would be varied across the region as a land revaluation saw fluctuations up-and-down from one end of the spectrum to the other.

“We have focused on bringing relief to as many people as we can,” Cr Strelow said.

Mayor Strelow said this year’s budget was a balance between minimising the impact on ratepayers while doing council’s bit to help the local economy recover and grow.

“In order to stimulate the local economy, council has also revealed a record $170 million capital program which includes major water and sewerage works, the airport terminal upgrade, the new art gallery and almost $18 million dollars on road renewals,” she said.

“Based on previous years, more than 75 per cent of that money will be spent locally, bearing in mind some specialist equipment like airport lighting can only be purchased out of region.”

For the first time in seven years, the council will hand down a budget in deficit of $5.4 million with increased borrowings of $29.4 million to cater for the capital program.

One of the key components of the capital program is a massive investment in upgrading aging sewage treatment and water facilities to meet population growth and service future demand.

Water and Environment Councillor Donna Kirkland said the investment would be worth almost $37 million over the next four years.

“This year we’re investing across our water and sewage network to augment the North Rockhampton and Gracemere Sewage Treatment Plants, renew the electrical and control network at the Glenmore Water Treatment Plant and also invest in solar at the Glenmore WTP,” she said.

“The combined investment this year alone is $8 million and by the time all these works are completed in three years’ time, the solar at Glenmore is expected to have paid for itself which is great for both ratepayers and our environment.”