Redland City budget leads the way – again Today five Councillors in support of the Mayor Karen Williams delivered the lowest headline rates increase in South East Queensland; and for the second year in a row. In addition to my vote in support of this budget, it was supported by Councillors Paul Gleeson, Alan Beard, Mark Edwards, Kim-Maree Hardmand, and of course Mayor Karen Williams. Councillors met formerly for 15 meetings and briefings in addition to all of the other discussions and meetings that contribute the process, to come to this budget and despite some disappointing machinations and attempts to grandstand for the local media on the day, all councillors where provided equal and substantial opportunity to participate and work in a positive way in support of our city; and for the most part this is what they did. Sadly the politics of derision that has characterised local politics in Redland is not yet behind us. The $238 million budget for 2013-14 provided cost of living relief while delivering the high quality services people expected from their Council. “I was proud of Council’s first budget last year, but I am even more proud of our second, which delivers the surplus I predicted a year ago and a headline rates increase of 1.43 per cent,” Mayor Karen William said. “We have absorbed millions of dollars in external costs imposed on us by other levels of government, providing a reprieve for our ratepayers who otherwise would have been forced to foot the huge bill through significant rate increases. “Without these external factors, we could have seen a rates freeze. “Even with these extra costs, this budget places Redland City in an enviable financial position, while still being able to cope with any unforeseen circumstances which may arise. “This is a budget for today – and for tomorrow. It is responsive, realistic and responsible. “We are again delivering ratepayers great value for their money.” Budget highlights: • Headline rates increase of 1.43 per cent - lowest in SEQ • The average residential owner occupied mainland property with a value of $282,000 and using the average amount of water (200kl), will see a rates increase of just 1.1 per cent, including all utilities and levies, • In dollar terms this equate to an increase of 66 cents per week or about equivalent to the cost of a postage stamp • Predicts first operating surplus for many years • Capital program $56.9 million • Council water charges up 4.5 per cent – compared with State Government bulk water price hike of 16 per cent • Average domestic waste water costs down 13.2 per cent – saving $96 a year to average household • Environmental levy reduced by $34.80 per year • Rating categories reduced from 45 to 22 • Southern Moreton Bay Islands (SMBI) residents get access to TransLink network • Maintains existing assets • Maintains a manageable level of debt Cr Williams said the 2013-14 Budget would deliver a surplus of $317,000. “This is the first Redland City Budget in many years to deliver a surplus. It may be relatively small but our solid financial position will make us the envy of many other Councils,” she said. ”The average headline rate increase of just 1.43 per cent balances the needs of the Redlands community with the capacity of residents to pay. “The average residential owner occupied mainland property, which has a value of $282,000 and using the average amount of water (200kl), will see a rates increase of just 1.1 per cent, including all utilities and levies, or in dollar terms a rate increase of 66 cents per week or about equivalent to the cost of a postage stamp. “This modest increase fulfills the promise I made during the mayoralty campaign to keep rates to at or below CPI which this year is 2.5 per cent according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics. “Residents have been hit by massive increases in State Government bulk water prices (up 16 per cent) and electricity charges (up 22.6 per cent), as well as rising grocery and fuel costs. “People are really hurting. Some South East Queensland councils have passed on their cost increases through rates rises as high as 5 per cent. “Redland City has crunched the numbers to ensure we can deliver the lowest rates increase possible while delivering all the services people have come to expect. “This will include a considerable increase in road spending to provide for the future growth of the city.” Cr Williams said the State-imposed bulk water increase had been offset by a reduction in the cost of Council controlled waste water by 13.23 per cent, or an average $96 a year. “This saving will mean the average Redland property will actually see a $7.52 fall in utility charges,” she said. “The fact that we have been able to pass this saving on to residents despite the massive external price increases of water and electricity that Council has opted to absorb is fantastic news for the Redlands community.” Council has also cut the number of rating categories this year from 45 to 22, providing a more consistent approach and reducing rates for the majority of residents. “I feel we still have some way to go to achieve reform in rating across the City but this will ensure clear, transparent rationale behind the categories,” Cr Williams said. The changes to rating categories also reinstates separate canal levies for residents at Raby Bay, Sovereign Waters and Aquatic Paradise, splitting this cost from their general rates to ensure transparency. “The reinstatement of separate canal levies was requested by the people who live in these areas and they now get greater transparency on how the funds are raised for the expenditure spent on the canals and lake,” Cr Williams said. “I am proud of the work done in framing this Budget and believe it sets the foundations for the future of the city, especially given the impact of costs which are outside Council’s control. “We’re certainly heading in the right direction – we have reformed the way we do business and we are putting our City in a position which will leave money in the bank and infrastructure on the ground for generations to come.” Key areas of capital expenditure • Transport: • Waste water: • Open space: • Marine: • Lakes and canals: • Water: Key capital projects: $25 million $8.38 million $4.79 million $4.34 million $3.19 million $1.84 million - Dunwich Sewerage upgrade: $1.6m - Point Lookout waste water treatment plant: $15m over three years - Capping and rehabilitation of exhausted landfill sites: $3m - Macleay Island ramp car park: $3.4m over two years - Moreton Bay bikeway - Coochiemudlo Island Jetty: $1.85m - Headland Park NSI: $500,000 Key facts Redland City: Residents: 145,336 (2012 ERP) Rateable properties: 65,500 Cost of living: Average Redlands household expenditure: • $1715.73pw* * Source: National Institute of Economic and Industry Research Redland City rates*: • $58.97 pw * Average RCC domestic rate, includes State-mandated and council-levied water charges
Posted on: Thu, 27 Jun 2013 10:11:08 +0000
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