The fourth and final budget of the current Council term has been delivered and while there is plenty to cover, this budget has a strong focus on roads.
The total budget for 2023/24 is $1.089 billion and at a glance is made up of three main points. Capital expenditure - $$374.5 million, Services and operating costs - $691.3 million and Debt repayments (principal) $23.6 million.
With the increased cost of living, the cost for council have also increased and there will be a rate increase.
Most residential ratepayers will see a bottom-line increase of $2.28 per week – or 4.09 per cent – in the new financial year.
This is well below the Brisbane CPI of 7.4 per cent in the March quarter.
“With a billion-dollar budget, Council delivers a vital and diverse range of services and programs to the community each year,” said Mayor Darren Power.
“Since 2020, we have delivered four budgets that represent responsible decision making in extremely challenging economic times.
“Each year we have faced our growing community’s emerging needs and changing expectations, and 2023/24 is no exception.”
Cr Power said some of Council’s core costs, such as construction materials, had risen by as much as 30 per cent, while electricity and fuel prices were also putting pressure on the bottom line.
“A lot of these soaring costs are out of Council’s control, but as Councillors, we were proactive in looking strategically at how the organisation operates and spends ratepayers’ funds over the next year,” he said.
“We were also determined and committed to improving efficiencies without impacting service delivery.
“Despite the challenges, the budget we are presenting balances the books in a rising-inflation environment while also ensuring future sustainability.”
Some rating categories have been refined to ensure a fairer and more equitable method for assessing rates.
This includes new or refined categories for some single-titled unit blocks, commercial and office spaces, drive-in shops and car parks and industrial land uses.
A new volunteer fire brigade separate charge of $1.64 annually on all rates notices will support the vital citywide work undertaken by the city’s seven rural fire brigades. This is not a new charge, however previously it was only paid by rural landowners. The cost has now be shared across the city.
Council also continues to use a three-year average of land valuations to minimise the any impacts of new data released by the Queensland Government’s State Valuation Service earlier this year.
The budget delivers new and improved infrastructure across the City of Logan, including $159 million for water and sewerage services (as part of an overall budget of $379.5 million), $121 million for roads and drainage upgrades (as part of an overall budget of $265.2 million) and $13.4 million for parks capital works (as part of an overall budget of $63 million).
There is also ongoing investment in grassroots sport and community infrastructure to help keep local neighbourhoods connected.
Council also continues to support the City of Logan community as the cost of living continues to rise, with measures including:
- Ongoing funding for the Mayor’s Local Jobs and Skills Taskforce to connect job seekers with local businesses and bridging skills shortages in the local economy
- Pensioner discounts of $402 per year for those on a full pension and $201 per year for people on a part pension (this is a 6% increase from last year)
- Prompt-payment discounts for people who pay their rates on time each quarter
- Payment plans for those experiencing financial challenges
- Support services such as free Wi-Fi at Logan’s libraries, online homework support for students and free and low-cost school holiday activities through KRANK
- No changes to water consumption charges in 2023/24
- A 50% remission on water charges relating to hidden leaks from July 1, for both owner-occupied and tenanted residential properties
- Four free waste vouchers each year for residential property owners and free green waste disposal at Council’s waste and recycling facilities
- Continued delivery of free community events including Eats & Beats, LEAF, Eco-forum and family movie nights at Beenleigh Town Square.
Cr Power said many hours of deliberations had shaped the responsible budget.
“I’d like to thank my fellow Councillors for their diligent and robust discussions, and CEO Darren Scott and the other staff involved this year for their expert advice and guidance,” he said.
Chairing the budget process since November 2022, Cr Karen Murphy said she would like to express her gratitude to fellow Councillors and the Council staff who have worked tirelessly behind the scenes, providing support and advice over the past several months to bring it to this point.
“Despite the current economic challenges we face, which are influenced by many factors beyond our control, we have worked diligently on this budget to ensure that our residents continue to receive the high-quality Council services they rely on every day,” said Cr Murphy.
“We are fully aware of the impact of rising living costs on our community, and this budget has been carefully prepared with those economic pressures in mind. Today, we present a well-balanced budget that is both fiscally responsible and sound.”
Pensioners who are owner-occupiers of properties will continue to receive a discount on rates charges with those on a full pension will receive a concession of $402 per year, while those on a part pension will receive $201.
“This budget allocates $265 million for roads, drainage, and engineering services, including $121 million for capital works projects.
“As part of this overall allocation, Council has utilised high-tech cameras and AI-based computer programs to identify minor repairs before they become major projects.
“Additionally, our road crews have been utilising a specially operated truck, known as a “Jet Patcher” make pothole repairs quicker and safer,” said Cr Murphy.
“Over the next 12 months, this budget allocates $63 million for the management and maintenance of our 962 parks and reserves across 70 suburbs, including $13.4 million for capital works projects.
“Many park upgrades are also supported through the divisional Local Infrastructure Program and the City Beautification Program.”
