Why North Burnett Council rates will rise 5% after 2024 budget

Ratepayers in the North Burnett region will need to dig deeper into their pockets with their rates bills to jump again in the new financial year.

North Burnett ratepayers will be paying 5 per cent more on their rates bills from 2024 with councillors (Mayor Les Hotz inset) backing the rise as part of its new budget.

North Burnett ratepayers will be paying 5 per cent more on their rates bills from 2024 with councillors backing the rise as part of its new budget.

The rates hike approved by North Burnett Regional Council at Wednesday, July 10’s special meeting, was on par with its increase in 2023, and included price rises on a number of fees, charges, and services.

The rise is more than the 2 per cent general rate rise South Burnett ratepayers will be paying, slightly more than the 4.89 per cent rise at Bundaberg, but significantly less than the 10.5 per cent average increase imposed on the Fraser Coast.

Special levies for local disaster management, natural resources, and landfill management all increased by the same amount, now costing ratepayers $21, $67, and $256 respectively.

Sewerage charges increased by 3 per cent, while water consumption charges have jumped by 14 per cent to $2.56 per kilolitre, and water access charges up 5 per cent.

The 5 per cent average rate rise was on par with the rate rise imposed by the North Burnett Regional Council in 2023.

Kerbside waste collection charges have increased by 5 per cent.

It will now cost $351 for residences, and $426 for commercial operators.

A trip to the tip will continue to cost $5 for a carload, and $15 for a car with a trailer with prices remaining unchanged.

A 5 per cent early payment discount is in place for residents who pay their rates bills within 30 days.

Pensioners are eligible for a 20 per cent rebate on their general rates bill.

Fees and charges, including caravan park fees, dog registration, and hall and sports field usage will rise an average of 3.6 per cent in the new financial year.

They are expected to generate $1.8 million in operating revenue for the council.

Kerbside waste collection charges have increased by 5 per cent. It will now cost $351 for residences, and $426 for commercial operators.

The budget does not allay concerns about the council’s long term financial health, though.

It is expected to run at a $8.6 million loss in the 2024-25 financial year, followed by forecasts of two more losses of more than $7 million in each of the next two financial years.

The new fees and charges, except for those pertaining to long term caravan park guests, will not come into effect until August 1, 2024, one month later than usual.

This change was to allow for the council to advertise the price rises to the public.

Introduction of the fees affecting long term caravan park fees will be delayed even longer, to October 1, 2024.

The council is not borrowing any money in 2024-25, with the total amount still owed by the end of the year forecast at $1.3 million.

The debt is not expected to be fully cleared until the 2035-36 financial year.