Budget 2023-24: Steady Hand on the Tiller in this year's budget

Published 16 June 2023

Moreton Bay Council’s $861 million budget will provide the stability and confidence locals need through a period of economic uncertainty - with cost of living measures built into the Budget for those doing it tough including pensioners, families, and people with disabilities.

Mayor Flannery said the overriding focus this year was to keep the rate rise as low as possible for everyone.

“So despite the Consumer Price Index going up over 7% and the Road and Bridge Construction Price Index going up 13.2% - we’ve managed to keep the general rate rise at just 4.45%,” Mayor Flannery said,

“The general rate increase for an owner-occupied house is 4.45% with the minimum general rate increasing by 0.95c per week this financial year.

“The average total rate increase for an owner-occupied house is 5.85% which works out at $1.96 per week.

“Proudly, this means Moreton Bay will continue to be one of the lowest rating Councils in SEQ.

“The real balancing act this year was to keep costs down for locals, while still having enough in the bank to ensure our infrastructure investment keeps pace with population growth.

“This year’s $264 million in capital work program does this without breaking the bank, because we absolutely cannot afford to slow down on infrastructure investment when Moreton Bay is welcoming 10,000 new residents every year.

“My promise to the people of Moreton Bay is that we will not sacrifice our character or environment in the face of this population growth. So we are ramping up our commitments to the things you’ve told us matter most.

“I’m proud to say we’re increasing our commitment to free events, activities, and sports programs. In fact of the 52 festivals and events coming up this financial year 47 of them will be completely free. 

“We are maintaining free tipping for eligible households, capped at three tonnes or 26 visits each financial year.

“We will limit the spread of our urban footprint to just 25% of our region’s land mass, which means 75% of Moreton Bay will be preserved as greenspace to protect our wildlife and the lifestyle you love.

“You’ll notice we’re separating our Infrastructure and Environment charges so you can see exactly where that investment goes.

“We’re increasing the environment charge by $3.50 so that each rated property will contribute $25.50 per annum towards fund our green commitments, and we’ll expand its purpose to allow some funding to be directed to supporting community groups involved in the protective of our native wildlife and our environment.

“We are also increasing our commitment to making Moreton Bay the most accessible destination in South East Queensland with our Accessibility Upgrade Program and Accessible Schools Program, as well as almost $3 million specifically for a changing places facility alongside the beach matting in Woorim.

“This will include space for beach wheelchair storage, showers, and accessible change rooms available for all. 

“We’re also giving eligible self-funded retirees a $75 rates rebate, because we know every penny counts right now.

“This builds on the $100 rates remission we introduced for part-pensioners in 2020 to benefit 8,800 people across our region. This was extended in 2021 to give $250 worth of rates concession over the financial year.

“So I see this year’s Budget as investment in the soul of the city we will become - one that boasts a vibrant civic lifestyle, that cares for its older residents, prioritises accessibility and equity, and considers our natural environment in everything we do.”

View the Budget 2023-24

Video transcript