These are challenging economic times – around the world, across Australia and here in our city.
Like many in our community, Council is not immune to soaring costs that impact almost everything we do.
Our electricity, fuel and construction costs, for instance, are biting hard – some are up by more than 30 per cent over the last year.
As we look ahead over the next 12 months, we expect to see a return to pre-Covid (2019) levels of development activity in the City of Logan. This represents a drop of 30% in development application fees and revenue from the Covid high in 2022.
As we developed this budget, we were extremely conscious of improving efficiencies without impacting the quality Council services our residents and businesses rely on every day.
To help ease cost-of-living pressure, our bottom-line rates increase is well below the Brisbane CPI of 7.4 per cent (March quarter).
Pensioners will continue to receive a discount on rates (owner-occupied properties) while we have adjusted some rates categories to ensure a fairer and more equitable method of assessment.
To assist jobseekers, funding continues for the Mayor’s Local Job and Skills Taskforce, which has already provided employment opportunities to more than 300 locals.
To further support our community, this budget allocates funding to assist the numerous community groups and sporting organisations that help keep our neighbourhoods connected
Council-run facilities, including libraries, pools and community spaces, will continue to offer free and low-cost programs and services that are important for many residents.
An extensive program of new and upgraded roads is on the way. We will also use innovation to increase recycling and reduce landfill while exploring technologies that offset costs associated with water and sewerage services.
Together, we have delivered a billion-dollar budget that makes decisions that are right for the current times while also putting a strong focus on the future services and infrastructure needed for a rapidly growing city.
In doing this, we have begun to put in place a framework that will ensure the City of Logan is not only a great place to live now, but positions us to be a leader of the pack when our region hosts the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2032.
Mayor Darren Power
City of Logan
