Logan City Council has delivered a billion-dollar budget for the first time in its 42-year history.
The 2021/2022 Budget has been underpinned by Council's newly adopted 2021-2026 Corporate Plan and Community Vision to guide the city's major projects and critical services.
The Community and Lifestyles budget incorporates modest increases in rates and charges while continuing to deliver essential services in the City of Logan.
Governance Chair, Councillor Natalie Willcocks, said budget deliberations had focused on responsible spending that would bring benefits to City of Logan residents and businesses for years to come.
"We are still recovering from impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, so getting value for money for the city's ratepayers was a priority for Councillors," Cr Willcocks said.
The Budget commits $20 million a year, every year, from 2022/2023 to fund much-needed community infrastructure such as community centres, libraries, arts venues and leisure facilities.
This will also ensure Council has shovel-ready projects eligible for possible State and Federal funding.
"We'll have a rolling program that speeds up the design and construction instead of having individual projects evaluated each year during budget discussions," Cr Willcocks said.
"We have kickstarted the program this year with a $3 million injection of funding."
Projects that could be fast-tracked with the new funding allocation include Greater Flagstone Community Hub and community facilities in Logan Central.
The 2021/2022 Budget also allocates $9 million over the next four years to deliver a new Logan Planning Scheme in 2025, in accordance with Queensland Government legislation.
"This will ensure the next phase of growth in the city is well managed and delivers neighbourhoods that are functional and enjoyed by our diverse communities," Cr Willcocks said.
"It will also protect the character of our older suburbs and prevent over-development."
Council has also committed funding to projects that will benefit services that are critical to our city, including:
- Roads
- Water infrastructure
- Tourism development
- Business incentives
- Parks
- Environment
- Libraries
- Youth
The minimum general rate will have a bottom-line increase of 2.5 per cent, or $1.32 a week for the majority of residential ratepayers.
"This is a small increase that ensures our finances remain sustainable so we can continue to provide essential services that make our city a great place to live, work and do business," Cr Willcocks said.
Pensioners will continue to receive increased discounts on their rates. This will benefit almost 15,000 households this year.
"We are investing in our city's future. We have a focus on lifestyles and community in this budget, and we want residents and community to love and embrace living in the City of Logan," Cr Willcocks said.
The new Community Vision is: "Logan is a thriving, forward-thinking community, building a smart future by embracing innovation, diversity and equality for all. No matter where you've come from, you're welcome in Logan."
