Budget 2020-21: Rates and charges

Published: 01 July 2020. (Note: information was correct at date of publication but may have since been changed or superseded.)

Cairns Regional Council has today announced a general rates and charges increase of 1.8 per cent for 2020-21 financial year.

Mayor Bob Manning said in delivering the modest rate rise, there was consideration given to the need for immediate economic stimulus, while not overburdening ratepayers.

“Despite being a modest rate rise, it will allow Council to fund a record $181 million Capital Works program, providing vital economic stimulus and jobs, especially at a time when our tourism industry is struggling in the face of this crisis,” Cr Manning said.

This is the seventh consecutive year Council has handed down a rise in line with CPI, with increases of between 1.5 and 1.8 per cent each year. This has led to Council having one of the cheapest rates in the State.

Sewerage, cleansing and water access charges will also increase by just 1.8 per cent, while residential water usage charges will rise by just two cents to $1.23 per kilolitre.

As announced last week, there will be no increases to Council’s fees and charges for the next financial year due to the impacts of COVID-19.

On-street and casual parking fees will also remain unchanged, with Council choosing not to implement the 20 cents/hour increase which was due to apply from 1 January 2021.

Cr Manning said that in adopting the 2020/21 Fees and Charges Schedule last week, Council had taken appropriate action in the face of unprecedented challenges.

“We know that many residents have been significantly impacted by this unprecedented crisis, and Council is providing appropriate assistance.”