Rate rise keeps recycling going

Published on 26 June 2018

Today’s draft 2018-19 Budget contains an average residential rate rise which keeps the region’s ratepayers among the lowest paying in regional Queensland.

Mayor Margaret Strelow said rates had been set at a 2.9% increase but global recycling pressures had added another 1%.

“Council rate rises are set as low as it can be, usually CCI plus 1%, and that is what we were on track to deliver,” Mayor Strelow said.

“Changes to global recycling have seen the market for the sale of recycled materials diminish as a result, including those produced here in Central Queensland.

“The recycling plant in Rockhampton and contract with the supplier is shared by many Central Queensland Councils which left us with two options – increase the rates to cover the increased cost or reduce recycling services.

“We know the latter is not what our community wanted and that is why we made the decision to absorb that cost and maintain the level of service.

“Rates account for around 72% of Council’s income and without them, Council would not be able to deliver the services and infrastructure our community needs and deserves.

“They build our roads, they keep our libraries open and they deliver social infrastructure like parks, playgrounds and barbecue areas for our region,” Mayor Strelow said.