Council Holds Rate Increase Below CPI and Delivers Levy Reduction Amid Economic Difficulties

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Published
13th June 2023

Livingstone Shire Council has today officially adopted its 2023-24 budget with a focus on ensuring the long-term financial stability and viability of the region, while keeping rate increases under CPI.

Mayor Andy Ireland said the $161 million budget is focussed on leveraging strong economic growth, maintaining community assets, providing high level of service while considering the rising cost of living for families.

“Brisbane’s CPI is currently sitting at 7.4% and the entire Council team has worked hard to deliver a responsible and measured budget, keeping ratepayers at the forefront of our decision-making,” Mayor Ireland said.

“Despite the challenging economic environment, including a soaring consumer price index (CPI), we have managed to keep the average residential rate rise to 6.5% and the average commercial property and primary production rate rise to 4.5%. 99.86% of all rateable properties will pay an overall increase of 6% or less before the early payment discount applies.

“This equates to an average weekly increase of $6.57. It’s important to remember that this is an average only and that individual rates notices increases will vary depending on a property’s rating category as well as the land valuation, which is determined under the Land Valuation Act 2010.

“It is important to also note that 68% of all properties will pay an overall increase in rates between 4 - 6%. 71 rural properties will pay an overall increase in rates between 6 - 8%, and all other primary production properties will pay 6% or less.

“We understand this budget may be unwelcome news for residents and the increase in rates will put additional pressure on household budgets which are already strained.

“It’s vital to Council to bring relief in this budget for those really struggling and we have 1delivered a further 20% reduction to ratepayers on three separate charges, including the road network charge, natural environment charge and disaster response levy, as we continue to phase them out over 5 years. Our 10% discount also remains for those ratepayers who pay their rates on time, along with 10 complimentary domestic waste vouchers. We have also provided close to a million dollars in rates rebates for pensioners, sporting, and not-for-profit organisations.

“Increased inflation, soaring cost of electricity, rising fuel costs, and scarce and expensive building materials have put significant pressure on Council’s bottom line.

“When you consider Council uses around 10,000L of diesel every week, manage a 1,442km road network, manage the equivalent of 484 football fields in open spaces, and hundreds of kilometres of underground pipe across the Shire, these price hikes have an enormous impact.

“The Shire has also experienced rapid population growth and we must invest in community infrastructure to meet the needs of our current and future communities.

“With 46 out of 77 local councils in Queensland at medium to high risk of becoming unviable, Livingstone has struck a fine balance in this budget in ensuring the Shire’s long-term financial stability and viability, while being keenly aware of the pressure on households and businesses.

“We understand the cost pressures each household is facing, and increasing rates is not a decision Council made lightly, but I assure everyone these decisions have been made after comprehensive discussions with the goal of providing the best outcome for our community, in the short term and long term.”

Budget 2023/24 highlights

  • Total budget of $161 million.
  • Residential ratepayer will pay an average 6.5% increase on rates and charges.
  • Commercial, primary production and other uses ratepayers will pay an average 4.5% increase on rates and charges. Property valuations will cause variations in individual rates notices.
  • 20% reduction to ratepayers on three separate charges, including the road network charge, natural environment charge and disaster response levy.
  • 99.86% of all rateable properties will pay 6% or less increase overall before discount.
  • 68% of all properties will pay between 4-6% increase overall
  • Only 1 rural property will pay a 15% increase, 71 rural properties will pay between 6-8%, all other primary production properties will pay 6% or less,
  • Capital works program $51.1 million ($15.1 million funded through capital grants and subsidies)
  • $15.6 million invested in improving Livingstone’s roads, drainage, and bridge network.
  • $14.3 million invested in safe and reliable sewerage services.
  • $11.6 million invested in providing safe drinking water in Livingstone Shire.
    • $1.6 million invested in the Shire’s land and site improvements
    • $3.3 million invested in plant and equipment.
    • $3.9 million investment in buildings and facilities.
    • $0.8 million towards investing in land development.
  • Funding for vital projects including:
    • $4.4 million for the Emu Park Sewerage Treatment Plant ($6.7 million project total).
    • $3.75 million towards the extension of Cell 3A at the Yeppoon Landfill.
    • $1.6 million for ongoing restoration of sealed roads within the Shire.
    • $1.6 million towards the renewal of unsealed road pavement.
    • $1.5 million for works on Artillery Road via the Roads of Strategic Importance (ROSI) program ($7.7 million project total).
    • $1.3 million towards the Normanby St upgrades ($4.5 million project total).
    • $1.3 million towards pavement rehabilitation for Matthew Flinders Drive.
    • $900,000 to upgrade Cooee Bay Swimming Pool ($13 million project total).
    • $800,000 towards the Queen Street road upgrades.
    • $725,000 towards Council’s Fleet Renewal Program.
    • $600,000 for Etna Creek Road Pavement Rehabilitation Program.
    • $490,000 towards the Emu Park Waste Transfer Station Upgrade.
    • $475,000 to construct new drop off area and new off-road parking at Yeppoon State High School.
    • $450,000 to replace sludge valves and isolation valves at the Woodbury WTP Clarifier Rake.
    • $400,000 to replace the chlorinator at Yeppoon Lagoon.
    • $356,250 towards Taranganba Road West Shared Pathway.
    • $250,000 in upgrades concrete floodways to the unsealed road network.
    • $205,000 to extend the footpath area near set down at Yeppoon State Primary School.
    • $100,000 towards The Caves Waste Transfer Station Upgrade.
    • $100,000 towards beach access upgrades.
  • Total borrowings of $58.2 million
  • Providing $965,000 in rate rebates for pensioners, sporting, not-for-profits, and nature refuge assessments.
  • Eligible pensioners will receive a remission of 20% (to a maximum of $300) on all rates levied in respect of the property in which they both own and reside. This is in addition to the 20% of the gross rates and charges (up to a maximum of $200) available under the Queensland State Government Pension Rebate.
  • Providing $0.9 million in donations/contributions/sponsorships