“This will allow Council to invest in essential infrastructure and provide many vital projects the community has been asking for,” Cr Leu said.

“Douglas Shire is on the verge of a really exciting future where we will experience the fiscal benefits of a strong and capable shire.”

A number of projects ‘that will provide essential services and inject value across the region’ are also expected to be outlined next week.

The Mayor said Council was readying itself for a ‘final stretch of a five-year journey to financial sustainability’ and the goal of a balanced budget ‘was right on track’.

“This is what happens when you stay fiercely committed to a plan,” the Mayor said.

“We have been chipping away at this deficit and it has been a long road, but the ultimate destination is within reach.”

The statement also pointed out that Council outlined in 2014 a blue print to financial sustainability in the 2019/2020 financial year ‘after recording a $5 million deficit to accounting for de-amalgamation costs’.

“Council has delivered three record capital works programs worth almost $50 million in the past three years and shaken off loan borrowings to achieve a debt-free status,” the statement continued.

“Council has also worked through several challenges, such as unexpected changes by the Queensland Valuer-General to rural land valuations.”

The Special Budget Meeting will be held at Council Chambers in Mossman next Tuesday January 19.

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