Rates favour residents

LOCKYER Valley residents have escaped an excessive rate rise with its region's council opting to increase rates by a mere five per cent, one of the lowest rate increases in the state.

Lockyer Valley Regional Council delivered its third annual budget on Monday and Mayor Steve Jones said it was “difficult” to manage funds with “many different priorities competing for limited funding”.

“While we are fortunate to be in a growing region, when setting the budget council has also been mindful that some members of the community are struggling with increase in costs such as electricity, licence, vehicle registrations and interest rates,” Cr Jones said.

Cr Jones said council has committed $69 million to this year's budget with $30 million going towards the replacement and expansion of community assets and the rest of the money funding day to day operational costs including maintenance of community facilities.

“The total budget is significantly less than the $84 million budget brought down last year, due to the transfer of water and sewerage functions to Queensland Urban Utilities, and the completion of the Lockyer Valley Cultural Centre, which was a major capital project, funded largely from state government contributions,” he said.

“With only $538,000 of outstanding debt at June 30 and cash reserves well in excess of this council is in an excellent financial position to take advantage of future opportunities as they arise.”

Although most levies in council have remain unchanged Cr Jones said as a result of the state government expanding the boundary covered by the Urban Fire Levy, about 1740 property owners will be charge a state government Urban Fire Levy on their rates notice for the first time.

While wheelie bin collection charges remain unchanged, the waste management charge, covering the cost of landfill sites, transfer stations and rubbish bins in streets and parks, has been increased by $5 to $95 per year.

Council will also spend almost $15 million towards upgrading existing roads throughout the region including upgrading Dyer Street in Forest Hill and Lawlers Road in Grantham.

Council has also allocated $85,000 to upgrade the Laidley Saleyards, $100,000 for a sports building at the Laidley Recreation Reserve and $250,000 has been allocated for the Gatton Aquatic Centre.

Story by Melanie Maeseele, Queensland Times