The Logan City Council released their budget today and for the second year Logan has a $1 billion number.
The record $1.014 billion budget has its own motto, building on today for a brighter tomorrow, with that sentence being said often by the Mayor and Deputy Mayor.
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.”
What the real concern for homeowners in Logan is a budget time is the rate increase. In the 2022/2023 budget there is 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).
While the rates have increased, there will be no increases to the Council components of water and sewerage charges.
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.
“We are proud of what we’re announcing in today’s budget, and I am proud of what we are delivering.”
Some of the other key numbers this this years council budget are:
- 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
- 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
With the budget motto of ‘building on today for a brighter tomorrow’ in mind, Logan City Council are putting $224.7 million in essential road and water infrastructure, $9 million towards building an advanced recycling facility at Browns Plains, $38 million over five years to improve local sports facilities with a promise of ongoing funding after that time and $6.34 million over two years for the first three stages of the Alexander Clark Park Masterplan.
