Rate changes at a glance

On June 22nd the Sunshine Coast Council has announced the 2023 - 2024 budget. This year the budget will pass the ONE Billion dollar mark and there have been rate increases across the board in spite of the present cost-of-living crisis which local residents are facing.

A schedule of rates as is hereunder are:

Rates for the owner-occupiers on the minimum general rate – the majority of residential properties – will increase by $74 ($1.42 per week) to $1,406.50 per annum - a 5.55% rise

The environment levy will increase by $2 to $82

The Transport Levy will increase by $2 to $47

The Arts and Heritage Levy will increase by $2 to $18

A 240 litre wheelie bin service charge will increase by $27.60 to $360.30.

Overall, rates and charges for the majority of owner occupiers on the minimum general rate will increase by $107.60 to $1913.80 - or 5.96% https://issuu.com/Maleny-Grapevine-Community-News

All eligible pensioners will benefit from a 7% increase in their pensioner rate concession.

Sole homeowners on full pensions will receive a $290 annual concession (up from $271 in 2022-23) and those with joint title to the property will receive a maximum of $227 per annum (up from $212).

Those on part pensions will also benefit, with their annual concession increasing to maximums of $145 and $83 (single and joint title), increasing from $136 and $77 last financial year.

Whilst some owner. occupiers will pay an annual rate cost of $1930.80 the majority of owner-occupiers will remain on the minimum general rate of $1,406.50 per annum – an increase of $74 per annum or $1.42 per week.

Included in the budget is $1.3 million to continue work on Maleny Business Centre Streetscape works in Maple Street.

My key priorities are to keep our division connected on our country roads which is why this budget delivers on gravel road upgrades, lane widening, intersection upgrades and pedestrian improvements to several roads.