Cairns Regional Council has today announced its general rates and charges for the 2022/23 financial year, with 75% of ratepayers to pay an increase of 3.1% or less on their general rates.
Cairns Mayor Bob Manning said the rise was influenced by post-pandemic demands, inflationary pressures, and the need to maintain services in line with community expectations.
"This is a financially responsible Budget that sets the foundation for shaping the future of the region with a focus on fiscal sustainability, growth and a real emphasis on looking after community and natural assets," he said.
In formulating the rate increase, Council also took into account the release of land valuations by the State Government earlier this year.
The first valuations since 2019, the median residential land value increased by almost 15%, from $190,000 to $217,500.
"Due to the variations associated with land valuations, it means that three-quarters of ratepayers will receive an increase of 3.1% or less in their general rates," Cr Manning said.
"In fact, just over a quarter of ratepayers can expect to pay less in their general rates this year, when compared to the last financial year.
"Importantly, in setting this modest rate increase, it will not cost us the ability to provide infrastructure and services to the level that is expected of a large Council."
As part of this year's Budget process, Council has taken steps to remove discrepancies between rates applied to properties under a strata title, and multiple dwellings on a single land title.
"Flats, townhouses and duplexes which are on one property title, will now be charged per residence, bringing them in line with strata titles," Cr Manning said.
"I know this will be difficult for those property owners, but it's about creating a level playing field where everyone contributes fairly."
Council has also removed residential bands B and C, which means high value properties no longer receive a discount.
In another change, Council will introduce a new rating category from 2023/24 to cover non-principal place of residence, or more simply, investment properties.
Sewerage, cleansing and water access charges will also increase by 3.1%, while residential water usage charges will rise by five cents to $1.48 per kilolitre. Commercial water usage charges will also rise by five cents to $1.55 per kilolitre.
As announced last week, Council has applied a standard increase of 5% to most of its fees for the 2022/23 financial year.
However, off-street parking fees will increase by $1 a day to $3 a day at the Bunda Street, and $4 at Hartley Street and CPAC carparks. Those parking rates had not increased since 2014-15.
Metered on-street parking charges will increase from $2 an hour to $2.10 an hour from 1 January 2023.
Due to the review and adoption of Planning and Development fees and charges in September 2021, no change to these fees and charges is proposed at this time.
