Budget: rates and charges

Cairns Regional Council has today announced a general rates and charges increase of 2.5 per cent for 2021-22 financial year.

Mayor Bob Manning said the rate rise equated to an extra $1.25 a week on a median priced residential property and with no land valuations this year, every property will receive the same percentage increase.

“Today’s Budget is a departure from what we have delivered to ratepayers over the past eight budget cycles – that is, budgets underpinned by rate rises with an average of 1.7% during that period, and nearly $1.2 billion of significant capital works programs,” Cr Manning said.

“None of us could have foreseen the COVID crisis, but in order to assist the community through this difficult time, Council moved decisively to provide much-needed economic stimulus, which included delivering $165 million of capital works in the past 12 months.

“We brought forward $2.5 million of general works and fast-tracked the $28 million Esplanade Dining Project to ensure our city was ready to greet tourists when the borders re-opened.

“We also extended the time for our residents and businesses to pay rates and introduced long-term payment plans without the impost of interest charges, introduced incentives to encourage activity in the building and construction sector and waived relevant fees and charges to assist businesses.

“Today we deliver a Budget that continues to adhere to the responsible fiscal principals we have demonstrated over the past decade, tackles the challenges COVID-19 has presented, and supports Council’s overall financial position.

“At the same time, we have been mindful of the effects rate rises have on the community while also considering the future needs of our community.”

Sewerage, cleansing and water access charges will also increase by 2.5 per cent, while residential water usage charges will rise to $1.43 per kilolitre.

“In light of the $215 million water security project we will have to undertake in coming years, and with no financial commitment as yet from the State or Federal governments, Council has decided to lift residential water usage charges by 20c per kilolitre,” Cr Manning said.

“It is important to note that while this is an increase, our water usage charges remain extremely low considering residents in south-east Queensland pay around $4 a kilolitre.”