Cairns Regional Council has announced a general rates and charges increase of 5.99 per cent for 2023/24 financial year.
Cairns Mayor Bob Manning said the rise was influenced by unique and challenging economic conditions, and the need to maintain services in line with community expectations.
"Council continues to face the same inflationary challenges as everyone else, including cost pressures, supply chain issues and labour shortages," Cr Manning said.
"For example, we have registered a 30% increase in the cost associated with the construction of concrete paths and procurement of stormwater pipes and other associated prefabricated concrete products; price rises of over 40% for topsoils and sands; and electricity price rises close to 20%.
"This Budget has been framed in this challenging environment, but I believe the result is financially responsible and it 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."
The rate increase equates to an extra $3.16 a week on a median priced residential property, excluding the State's fire levy and water usage charges.
"This rate increase remains true to Council's commitment over the past decade to keep rate rises at a minimum, with increases at or below the State's Consumer Price Index of 7.4% (as of March 2023)," Cr Manning said.
"We achieved this result by looking carefully at our Capital Works program and considered which projects were absolutely necessary, those that could be deferred, reduced scope where needed, and made the most of funding opportunities to maximise outcomes," Cr Manning said.
The annual charges for water access, sewerage and waste collection will rise by 5.99%.
Water usage charges will rise by nine cents per kilolitre for both residential ($1.57 per kl) and commercial ($1.64 per kl).
As announced last month, Council endorsed applying no standard increase to the fees and charges for the 2023/24 financial year, with the exception of some specific items.
Some of those exceptions include:
- Two new dog release fees to be introduced: a reduced fee of $58 for pensioners and first impoundments, and $28 for registered dogs. The current dog release fee is $115
- Under state legislation Regulated Dogs are now required to wear an identifying collar. These can now be purchased for $55 and will be included in the full registration fee for Regulated Dogs, which has increased from $511 to $566
- Development Assessment changes include:
- A new $500 fee for additional inspection, or re-inspection, of works associated with hold point inspections
- A new licences and approvals inspection fee for outside work hours, $375 per inspection
- Boundary realignment free increase of $1,250 to $1,500
- ExpressDA – the Development Application fee is entitled to a 20% discount off the nominated fee as per the fees and charges schedule if qualified.
- Introduction of a mattress disposal fee at transfer stations of $25 per mattress, and a maximum limit of two per visit
