Moreton Bay Council to increase rates by 2 per cent to support a record post-crisis spend

Moreton Bay ratepayers will cop a rate rise in 2020-21, with the council announcing record spending in order to support the COVID-19 recovery.

MORETON BAY ratepayers will cop a 2 per cent rate rise in 2020-21, with the council announcing record spending in order to support the COVID-19 recovery.

This includes a new $6 hike to the Infrastructure Charge and will add an average of $31 to residents’ rates.

And for the first time, part pensioners will now receive a $100 discount, automatically deducted from their bill.

More than 130 new jobs will be created at a local council

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The Brisbane Consumer Prince Index (CPI) meanwhile is heading in reverse, decreasing 0.1 per cent in the March quarter.

Nationally, the CPI annual inflation to March was 2.2 per cent, but that doesn’t include data from the June quarter which has had the biggest impact from COVID-19.

“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,” Mayor Peter Flannery said.

“Now is not the time for austerity as we face a recession, so 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 re-emerge from coronavirus as a leader in the southeast.”

Moreton Bay Mayor Peter Flannery. Picture: Renae Droop/RDW Photography

The 2020-21 Budget includes a $220 million capital works program. This includes $143 million for roads and transport, $57.8 million for parks and the environment, $49 million for sport and recreation, $19.3 million for our cultural sector and $18.4 million for waterways and coastal areas.

“Spending in all these areas is up on last year and estimated to support 3000 jobs,” Mr Flannery said.

The council is also renaming the Infrastructure Charge to the Infrastructure and Environment Charge and increasing the charge from $78 to $84.

“This will fund a new $1.8 million environmental land buyback program to protect strategic wildlife corridors, koala habitat and green space,” Mr Flannery said.

“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 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.”

Terri Harvey from Moreton Bay Koala Care said the initiative was a piece of the puzzle to help preserve our suburban wildlife areas.

“Every bit helps,” she said. “If you can keep them in habitat instead of getting out onto roads and things then that is a good thing. $6 is a cup of coffee.”

Full Budget details including new capital works projects will be announced at tomorrow’s Budget meeting.