By Jenel Hunt
The average overall increase in rates in the Southern Downs region is set to come in at 2.5 per cent, which is below the Consumer Price Index (CPI). But it’s not all good news, with water charges expected to surge.
Wastewater and waste charges are expected to be slightly above the CPI rate of 3.4 per cent, while water charges will likely reach just over nine per cent.
Southern Downs Regional Council mayor Melissa Hamilton said the previous council had adopted a price path exercise to bring these services up to full cost recovery.
“The increase in these charges of 3.5 per cent for waste and wastewater and 9.25 per cent for water, reflects the significant capital expenditure budgeted over the next two years. If we step off this price path, then increases in following years will be even greater to make up for lost ground,” she said.
The 2.5 per cent increase in rates compares well against the council’s own cost index of 3.9 per cent.
Cr Hamilton said that for residential lots with a rateable value of less than $175,000, the average increase was 1.45 per cent, with 84 per cent of these households having no change in their rates.
For residential lots with a rateable value higher than $175,000, nearly half would have a decrease in rates or no change in rates.
“Overall, only a quarter of households will have any increase in rates and it is proposed to soften these increases with rate capping to smooth the increase over a few years,” said Cr Hamilton.
“The majority of both horticultural and agricultural farms will see a decrease or no change in rates, with less than a quarter of farms having an increase in rates.”
Cr Hamilton said the budget process had started in late 2023 with the previous council and there had been a ‘shortened window’ for the newly elected members to be involved in the budget but despite that she believed the new council representatives had positively influenced the budget.
“Going forward, the challenge for our new council is to find ways to interrupt the growing costs of providing water and dealing with wastewater and waste,” she said.
“I would have preferred to find a way to ensure the increase in water and waste fees and charges was lower, given that we are still in a cost-of-living crisis.
“However, I’m firmly of the view that cost-of-living relief should come from state and federal governments, who receive almost all tax revenue. Our rates, by contrast, represent around 2 per cent of the median household income. Council’s rates are being strained to provide essential services and in adopting a budget we need to strive for long-term sustainable financial management.”
The Mayor said community feedback would be instrumental in finalising the 2024-25 budget.
“If the community wants to change the priorities in the budget – if there is a widespread desire to delay cost recovery or if there are suggestions for improved facilities or services – then I encourage everyone to have their say through either the online submission process or by contacting a councillor,” Cr Hamilton said.
“I personally will pay very close attention to the views expressed by the community as we look to finalise the draft budget for 2024-25.”
Community feedback must reach the council before 5pm on Friday 28 June.
People can collect hard copies of the proposed budget from the council’s administration buildings and libraries or view online at www.sdrc.qld.gov.au/living-here/have-your-say.
Feedback can be submitted through an online form on the webesite’s same page, by email at mail@sdrc.qld.gov.au or by handing in paper submissions at the council’s administration centres (Warwick or Stanthorpe).
Following public consultation, the final draft budget will be presented to councillors for adoption at a Council meeting on Wednesday 24 July 2024.
