Ratepayers will continue to be charged $100 ‘wellbeing’ fee

A $100 fee on Bundaberg rates bills has left ratepayers confused as to what the money will be spent on. We asked the Bundaberg council to explain.

Bundaberg ratepayers have noticed a $100 fee on their rates bills this year, which the Bundaberg Regional Council says is designed to support community “wellbeing”.

A comment that appeared on a NewsMail Facebook post regarding the resignation of Mayor Jack Dempsey’s chief of staff Michael Gorey revealed just how confused ratepayers were by the fee.

“I still want to know what a health and well-being fee of $100 is being charged on rates for,” Tracey Schultz posted.

The comment drew multiple reactions from community members.

Locals were baffled to find a 'wellbeing' fee on their Bundaberg Regional Council rates notices.

The NewsMail approached the council for comment on the fee, but was instead directed to its budget day media release, available on the council website.

According to the release, ratepayers will be charged a $100 Community Wellbeing and Environment fee to help fund initiatives to “ensure public safety, enhance natural areas and promote community wellbeing”.

A media statement outlining Bundaberg Regional Council’s 2022 budget says the charge helps to support a range of community projects.

“The Community Wellbeing and Environment charge will remain constant this year and support a range of projects including Council contributions to emergency services, disaster management, initiatives which promote healthy and active lifestyles, accessibility and shade improvements at local parks and projects which will protect and enhance natural areas,” the statement reads.