A brighter tomorrow awaits the City of Logan as Logan City Council builds on recent achievements in its 2022/2023 Budget, which was delivered today.
The record $1.014 billion 'Building on today for a brighter tomorrow' budget celebrates the positive attributes residents love about the city - a city that is smart, active, safe, green and growing.
City of Logan Mayor Darren Power said Council was leading the way in South East Queensland by delivering critical infrastructure and quality services to the community.
"We enjoy something special in the City of Logan," Councillor Power said.
"Where else can you enjoy urban and rural lifestyles, first-class facilities and a caring and connected community?
"Our city is affirming its reputation as forward-thinking and ambitious. We are not afraid to chase greatness.
"Council is ahead of the game with recent investments in state-of-the-art technology to turn sewage into energy and fertiliser, as well as the new Kingston Butter Factory Cultural Precinct.
"Our business community is also becoming more innovative and entrepreneurial with emerging industries choosing to move to Logan for our ideal location and ready and reliable workforce.
"When we build on what we've already achieved, we can create a brighter future for coming generations, and that's what today's budget delivers."
The 2022/2023 Budget invests in grassroots sport, the environment, innovation and infrastructure.
This includes:
- $38 million over five years to improve facilities at local sports clubs, with ongoing funding after that
- $9 million towards building an advanced recycling facility at Browns Plains in partnership with Ipswich and Redland councils
- Ongoing investment to develop the skills of young entrepreneurs
- $224.7 million in essential road and water infrastructure for a rapidly growing population.
As this year's budget was prepared, Cr Power said his fellow Councillors recognised the value of investing money in programs that bring long-term success to the city.
"We've really considered where we should allocate money so that it doesn't just benefit people over the next 12 months," he said.
"By planning towards how we want our city to look in the next five to 10 years, we've identified funding allocations that will improve quality of life and create a brighter tomorrow."
Governance Chair, Deputy Mayor Natalie Willcocks, said Council continues to deliver an array of services to the community with efficiency, despite costs increasing.
"This year, we've seen the Brisbane CPI increase by 6 per cent in a year to the end of March, and everyone is feeling the impacts of higher fuel prices, including us.
"Additionally, the cost of materials for construction is through the roof, and we wear those costs when delivering infrastructure for the city.
"Council seeks alternative funding sources wherever possible, including grants from other levels of government, so we can keep rate rises to a minimum.
"Whether you visit our libraries, aquatic or sports centres, one of our many parks, play sport, turn on a tap, have a furry friend, put rubbish in your wheelie bin, visit a waste and recycling facility or drive on our roads, you are using facilities and services that need to be funded.
"Council staff deliver these services with a smile and are committed to the well-being of our community.
"We are proud of what we're announcing in today's budget, and I am proud of what we are delivering.
"And I thank my fellow Councillors and the Council staff who've worked hard behind the scenes for their diligence, support and advice."
Key numbers from this year's budget include:
- A 2.49 per cent bottom line increase for ratepayers on the minimum general rate - $70.30 a year, or $1.35 a week (excludes state bulk water charge)
- A 4.29 per cent increase to the annual pensioner remission, providing $379.20 for those on a full pension and $189.60 for a part-pension
- A 5 per cent discount for prompt payment
- No increases to the Council components of water and sewerage charges
- A $7 increase to the annual environment levy
- A 2.5% increase to the community services charge
- An expected modest operating surplus of $3.65 million (at June 30, 2023)
- Borrowings of $69 million and loan repayments of $20.3 million
