Adrian Schrinner rules out keeping rate rises tied to inflation

Brisbane’s mayor has rejected tying rate rises to CPI, saying it would affect council’s service ability. However, he did offer one sweetener that would be available to all residents, not just ratepayers.

PATRICK Condren says it would be his “intention” to keep rate rises in line with CPI, while Adrian Schrinner has ruled out the move – warning it would affect the council’s ability to deliver services.

It came as the Lord Mayor yesterday unveiled plans to send dump vouchers to every house in the city so renters can also access council tips in a move that would save them $127 a year.

When asked about rates yesterday, Mr Condren said it would be his “intention to keep rate rises at CPI”, saying it was the “fairest thing to do for ratepayers”.

Adrian Schrinner

Patrick Condren

“My view of the world is ratepayers are doing it tough,” he said. “The LNP has forgotten the ratepayers of Brisbane.

“I think it’s important that we recognise that by spending the money raised from rates more wisely.”

At a press conference earlier in the day, where he had initially been unable to commit to not increasing rates beyond CPI, the Labor lord mayoral candidate talked up his plan to shave $100 off the annual rates bills for those who pay on time.

“That is on top of the $60 that you already get back,” he said.

When asked whether a re-elected LNP administration would keep rates at or below inflation, Cr Schrinner said the idea would decimate the council’s ability to provide for residents.

“If we were to stick to a rate of inflation, it would be significant cuts that would be needed to be made to what we do, the services we provide, or staff numbers,” he said.

“That’s not something we’re looking at.

“Under team Schrinner and the LNP administration, rates will always be lower than they will be under a Labor administration.

“The rates for Brisbane City Council and other councils are linked to property values. They’re not linked to inflation.”

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He said an enterprise bargaining agreement struck between council and its staff saw wages increase by 2.5 per cent annually, which contributed to increasing rates.

The average rate rise for owner occupied residential properties in Cr Schrinner’s maiden budget last year was 2.5 per cent – or about an extra $40 for the year.

The increase was above Brisbane’s then-inflation rate of about 1.5 per cent.

Cr Schrinner yesterday revealed plans to give every Brisbane household ten tip vouchers in a move that would benefit renters, as part of a $13 million election commitment.

Residents would get a second yellow bin for free in an effort to curb overflowing recycling going to landfill, as well as a free worm kit composting.

“The new initiative … is aimed at increasing recycling and reducing the cost on households as well in waste management,” Cr Schrinner said.

Mr Condren said the figures on Cr Schrinner’s announcement didn’t add up.

“According to the Lord Mayor’s own figures, there’s 190,000 renters and the cost of providing them with dump vouchers is $127 each,” he said.

“That’s $24 million, which is almost twice what he said his entire package is worth.”

The Lord Mayor’s office insisted the plan had been vigorously costed.