Cairns residents paying the lowest median valuation residential rates when compared to 16 other LGAs

Cairns Regional Council has released benchmark figures that compare the average cost of rates to Cairns residents to costs imposed by other councils.

Cairns’ residential rates have been benchmarked against 16 other LGAs. Picture: File photo

Cassowary Coast residents are paying the most in council rates compared to other populous LGAs in the Far North

The Cassowary Coast Regional Council charges an annual minimum residential rate of $3895, about $800 more than Cairns Regional Council, which charges the least.

After Cairns, the Tablelands Regional Council ($3505) is the next cheapest.

Douglas Shire residents pay $3581, marginally cheaper than Mareeba residents who pay $3591.

Cairns residents pay the second lowest amount in minimum residential rates when compared to 16 other large local government areas in Queensland.

According to data released in a Cairns Regional Council report, only Townsville residents pay a lower minimum residential rate, by one per cent, than Cairns residents.

About 25 per cent of Cairns properties are on the minimum residential rate.

When compared to Cairns LGA, residents in similar sized LGAs such as Bundaberg (four per cent), Mackay (eight per cent), Toowoomba (13 per cent), Ipswich (15 per cent), Fraser Coast (24 per cent), Logan (29 per cent), Sunshine Coast (32 per cent) and Redland (34 per cent) pay more in their minimum residential rates.

Division 6 councillor Kristy Vallely said the information released in the report would allay the concerns of some residents. Picture: Isaac McCarthy

Cairns LGA also has the lowest or second lowest median valuation and minimum strata rates when benchmarked against the other 16 LGAs, which also include Brisbane, Gold Coast and Moreton Bay.

Division 6 councillor Kristy Vallely said the benchmarking would provide conclusive data to Cairns residents who thought their rates were more expensive than those charges in southern Queensland LGAs.

“Currently we’re sitting as the second most cheapest … so I’m happy to see that,” Ms Vallely said.

Division 4 councillor Terry James said the higher total of state government capital investment in Townsville made Cairns Regional Council’s position on the benchmark chart all the more remarkable.

Division 4 councillor Terry James said the council’s relatively low rates was a good achievement when the amount of Queensland Government capital investment into the region was considered. Picture: Brendan Radke

“Townsville have just pipped us on their minimum rate, but if you look at the median rate we’re a lot cheaper,” Mr James said.

“If you consider the amount of money Townsville receives … compared to what we receive, is it any wonder they’re (minium residential rate is) cheaper?”

Cairns Regional Council’s low water usage charges kept its benchmarked minimum residential rate below that of at least six other councils.

Without water usage charges added on, residents in Brisbane, Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast, Logan, Moreton Bay and Toowoomba would pay less largely due to lower sewerage charges.

Division 1 councillor Brett Moller said the council was providing good value for the LGA’s residents.

“We spend a lot of time working through the budget considering the economic environment and social impacts on our residents,” Mr Moller said.

Originally published as Cairns residents paying the lowest median valuation residential rates when compared to 16 other LGAs