Charters Towers Region: Rate rise needed to meet increase in inflation and service standards
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Charters Towers Regional Council has released its 2022-23 Budget which takes into account the substantial increase in operational costs due to soaring inflation and the increase in State Government Levies for firefighting.
The Budget includes $19.2M for capital works, $4.8M for infrastructure operations, $41.M for water and sewerage infrastructure, and $3.3M for community and council facilities.
Mayor Frank Beveridge said to deliver these vital projects and to maintain community service levels, general rates will increase by 4.9% for residential and commercial properties.
“Council has experienced a significant increase in operational costs over the past 12 months, including road construction materials, electricity, fuel, and other goods and services.
“State Government Levies have also increased, which Council has no control over.
“In September 2021, a new $3 million state-of-the-art Charters Towers Fire and Rescue Station was officially opened, along with the commitment of an increase in permanent firefighters based at the facility.
“To pay for this fantastic facility and the 24/7 365-day firefighter service, the Emergency Management Levy has increased by 38.78%, which equates to approximately a 2.2% increase in our rates and levies in total.
“Council is legally required to collect the Levy through rates, under the Fire and Emergency Services Act 1990, and pass this on to the State Government.
“We understand the 4.9% rate rise is a significant increase for our community, however, Council has been able to keep this increase below the current 5.1% CPI.
“Council has worked hard to deliver a budget that allows us to renew infrastructure, provide additional community assets, and maintain services for the community,” said the Mayor.
Council's 2022-23 Budget can be viewed at www.charterstowers.qld.gov.au/forms-and-publications/budget
To find out more about the Emergency Management Levy, visit www.qfes.qld.gov.au/planning-and-compliance/em-levy.