Rate rise contained to 2%, with rebates provided to part-pensioners
Published 26 June 2020
On average, Moreton Bay ratepayers will pay an extra 61 cents per week on their rates next financial year.
Mayor Peter Flannery said Moreton Bay Regional Council had worked hard to keep the rise to around the same rate as the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
“Council will continue to provide record investment in this year’s massive $685 million Budget,” he said.
“That’s $30 million more than last year, which is prudent if we are to reemerge from coronavirus as a leader in the southeast.
“Moreton Bay Region is already the envy of other Councils because of our strong financial position, which is why we’re able to invest in programs to support jobs and economic recovery.
“The $31 average rate rise will allow Council to provide certainty at this uncertain time, with $32.9 million dedicated specifically to coronavirus stimulus and response initiatives.
“We’re building our way back to economic success with a $220 million capital works program. This will provide $143 million for roads and transport, $57.8 million for parks, $49 million for sport and recreation, $19.3 million for our cultural sector and $18.4 million to protecting our waterways and coastal areas.
“Spending in all these areas is up on last year and estimated to support 3,000 jobs.
“We are introducing a new $100 rates remission that will benefit 8,800 part pensioners across our region.
“We will also be able to fund a new $1.8 million environmental land buyback program to protect strategic wildlife corridors, koala habitat and greenspace.
“We have heard loud and clear that locals want greater environmental protections in the face of a growing population, so Council has decided to take further action to protect strategic environmental land.
“I hope this initiative will provide locals with the certainty that we are protecting our precious native flora and fauna, and that we’re putting out money where our mouth is on this important issue.
“One of the most pressing issue for me right now, as Mayor, is to provide certainty around jobs.
“With our ‘Local Preference’ policy now in effect, we’re already seeing more Council contracts flowing to more local businesses and I again implore business owners to register with our VendorPanel Marketplace.”
For more information: https://www.moretonbay.qld.gov.au/Council/Procurement/Supplier-Portal
Council voted to adopt the 2020/21 Budget and Operational Plan at a special meeting on Friday 26 June.