Bundaberg ratepayers group calls for rates freeze ahead of 2023 budget

Rates freezes and early payment discounts are among the demands asked of Bundaberg Regional Council which has been slammed for its “frivolous” spending.

The Bundaberg Ratepayers Association is also calling for fairer rates for the region’s farmers (pictured Bundaberg Ratepayers Association president Janette Young).

A group representing Bundaberg ratepayers has called on the council to freeze rates and bring back early payment discounts.

The Bundaberg Regional Ratepayer Association has written to the Bundaberg Regional Council and Mayor with seven requests it says will reduce the financial burden on ratepayers.

“The people of our region are hurting,” the association said.

“The cost-of-living crisis is hitting hard, leaving many people struggling to make ends meet.”

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The association slammed some of the council’s recent spending, including what it claimed was an unclear amount on major capital works projects.

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“While the rest of us are tightening our belts, cutting back on luxuries and skipping life’s frivolous extras, we are watching our Council spend and spend and spend as if they have endless funds to use,” the letter said.

The association’s requests ahead of the 2023-24 budget include an immediate rates freeze, returning the early payment discount, removing the community and environment levy and winding back agricultural rates.

It has also called for “genuine transparency and accountability” within the council, pre-budget community consultation and “an open and honest budget” with itemised spending.

Helen Blackburn said she hopes the rates will be considered in the next budget.

Association member Helen Blackburn said the list came directly from ratepayers who they spoke to on the street, in meetings and online.

“The entirety of the line items were provided to us by the community,” she said.

With almost 500 members, she said their views were a fair reflection of the community’s feelings, with rates the main concern.

She said through their consultation no one could confirm they had received the 10 per cent cut to rate costs promised when the Early Payment Discount was scrapped.

She said she and the association felt the community had been short-changed with Bundaberg one of the only 14 councils in the state to not offer early payment discounts.

The Bundaberg Regional Council was contacted for a comment, and CEO Steve Johnston said “council is still working through the financial elements and the 22/23 budget will be brought down in June”.