LOGAN City Council has slugged ratepayers the biggest percentage increase in charges in almost 15 years.
In Monday’s budget, council announced a rates hike of 4.61%, an average of $139.10 per household per year.
Until last year, there had not been a rates rise of more than 4% since 2010, which means back-to-back hikes have slugged ratepayers the equivalent of 8.7%, or more than $250 a year.
Mayor Jon Raven defended the budget, saying it was “a responsible budget for challenging times”.
He also argues that owner-occupiers will receive a $120 discount if they pay their bill on time.
Investors and businesses will no longer be given the early-payment bonus.
“The vast majority of owner-occupiers will be getting a larger discount with this change,” Cr Raven said.
The annual council budget has spiked to more than $1.18 billion, of which $135 million will be spent on roads, $174 million on water and sewerage, and $23 million on parks.
Despite cost-of-living pressures on residents, Cr Raven said population growth was to blame for the dramatic rises.
“Logan is in demand – people and businesses are moving to Logan in droves,” he said in a statement.
“We have become the fastest growing city in the state so it’s essential we get the basics right.
“That’s because growth can bring challenges, such as increased demands on infrastructure amid soaring construction costs.
“In a housing crisis, council is making sure new housing is coming online while still being able to deliver the infrastructure that turns our suburbs into connected and caring neighbourhoods.”
The budget includes $1.8 million over two years to support a new team dedicated to fixing potholes.
Cr Raven said seniors would benefit from rates discounts to the tune of 6 per cent.
“They’ll be getting some of the biggest discounts offered across Southeast Queensland,” he said.
In other detail, there would be 24 new mobile and covert cameras towards a council-led taskforce to combat the spread of fire ants on council property.
Money would be spent to resource a “development assessment service” designed to support growth in the city.
Extra support would be provided to council staff who are working with people experiencing homelessness.
A fund to protect and enhance green spaces would gain a $14.2 million injection.
A refurbished pool in Beenleigh has received funding, as has Flagstone Community Centre, clubhouses at Everleigh Park and McKinnon Sports Park.
Libraries will cost council $20 million.
Some of the roads included on a priority hit list include Loganlea Rd, Chambers Flat Rd, Teviot Rd and major drainage works have been slated for Eagleby and Rochedale South.
A statement released by council branded the budget “A responsible budget for our city”.
Prior to 2023, the previous hike more than 4% was in 2010 when then-treasurer Luke Smith argued council had not received post-amalgamation support it was expecting from the state government.
The rise at that time was around 7.8% when the city’s overall budget was just over $400 million – less than 40% of the current budget. All rises between 2011 and 2022 were between 1.4% and 3.6%.
