Budget focus on value and services

Published: 16th June 2023

Mayor Darren Power today delivered the fourth and final budget of the current Council term, saying elected members had consistently strived for good fiscal management while positioning the city for long-term success.

“With a billion-dollar budget, Council delivers a vital and diverse range of services and programs to the community each year,” Councillor Power said.

“Since 2020, we have delivered four budgets that represent responsible decision making in extremely challenging economic times.

“Each year we have faced our growing community’s emerging needs and changing expectations, and 2023/24 is no exception.”

Cr Power said some of Council’s core costs, such as construction materials, had risen by as much as 30 per cent, while electricity and fuel prices were also putting pressure on the bottom line.

“A lot of these soaring costs are out of Council’s control, but as Councillors, we were proactive in looking strategically at how the organisation operates and spends ratepayers’ funds over the next year,” he said.

“We were also determined and committed to improving efficiencies without impacting service delivery.

“Despite the challenges, the budget we are presenting today balances the books in a rising-inflation environment while also ensuring future sustainability.”

Council’s 2023/24 $1.089 billion Budget incorporates a bottom-line rates and charges increase of $2.28 a week, or 4.09% for those on the minimum general rate, which is well below the Brisbane CPI of 7.4% (March quarter).

Some rating categories have been refined to ensure a fairer and more equitable method for assessing rates.

This includes new or refined categories for some single-titled unit blocks, commercial and office spaces, drive-in shops and car parks and industrial land uses.

A new volunteer fire brigade separate charge of $1.64 annually on all rates notices will support the vital citywide work undertaken by the city’s seven rural fire brigades.

Council also continues to use a three-year average of land valuations to minimise the any impacts of new data released by the Queensland Government’s State Valuation Service earlier this year.

The budget delivers new and improved infrastructure across the City of Logan, including $159 million for water and sewerage services (as part of an overall budget of $379.5 million), $121 million for roads and drainage upgrades (as part of an overall budget of $265.2 million) and $13.4 million for parks capital works (as part of an overall budget of $63 million).

There is also ongoing investment in grassroots sport and community infrastructure to help keep local neighbourhoods connected.

Council also continues to support the City of Logan community as the cost of living continues to rise, with measures including:

Ongoing funding for the Mayor’s Local Jobs and Skills Taskforce to connect job seekers with local businesses and bridging skills shortages in the local economy Pensioner discounts of $402 per year for those on a full pension and $201 per year for people on a part pension (this is a 6% increase from last year) Prompt-payment discounts for people who pay their rates on time each quarter Payment plans for those experiencing financial challenges Support services such as free Wi-Fi at Logan’s libraries, online homework support for students and free and low-cost school holiday activities through KRANK No changes to water consumption charges in 2023/24 A 50% remission on water charges relating to hidden leaks from July 1, for both owner-occupied and tenanted residential properties Four free waste vouchers each year for residential property owners and free green waste disposal at Council’s waste and recycling facilities Continued delivery of free community events including Eats & Beats, LEAF, Eco-forum and family movie nights at Beenleigh Town Square.

Cr Power said many hours of deliberations had shaped the responsible budget.

“I’d like to thank my fellow Councillors for their diligent and robust discussions, and CEO Darren Scott and the other staff involved this year for their expert advice and guidance,” he said.

For more information about Council’s Budget, go to logan.qld.gov.au/reports-and-publications/budget-fees-and-charges