WITH a forecast operational surplus of $14.4 million for 2017-18, Logan City Council (LCC) is reaching into the future with this year’s budget, and the plans are fit for a twenty-first century city.
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Today’s announcement from the team that represents the sixth-largest local government population in Australia is all about possibilities, an uplifting theme for a council that has recently attracted its share of controversy.
This year’s budget also coincides with the first day on the job for Logan City’s new CEO Sharon Kelsey.
It was handed down by city treasurer Trevina Schwarz, her second in the role.
“This budget is also about ensuring the great quality of life for residents, building local infrastructure, and caring for our community,” Cr Schwarz said.
“As we embark on a new and exciting direction for the city, I am pleased to confirm that, as a council, we are in a strong and secure financial position, which enables us to support Logan’s growing population and economy, while keeping costs down for residents.”
Moderate rate rise
Around 57 per cent of LCC ratepayers will have their rates capped at a bottom-line rise of 1.7pc.
“This is under the March Brisbane Consumer Price Index of 1.8 per cent, which is one of the lowest in Queensland,” Cr Schwarz said.
“For the majority of Logan’s ratepayers, this equates to $43.70 a year, after discount, or 84 cents a week.
“Despite the costs associated with flood recovery from ex-Tropical Cyclone Debbie, we have been able to make an early repayment of $36 million to the Queensland Treasury Corporation.
“With these interest savings, we are able to invest more into infrastructure and services and limit our rate rise for residents.”
The moderate rise in rates comes after community concerns raised in the Jimboomba region this year about the potential for a steep rise in line with an increase in property values.
Action and strategy
Mayor Luke Smith also underlined LCC’s future thinking in his address.
“This is an important budget for our city, because it not only continues to deliver improved core services for our residents, but it invests in our vision of creating an innovative, dynamic city of the future,” he said.
“In May 2017, we released our new Corporate Plan, a document that sets out our vision for the city and our strategic direction for the next five years.
“I’m proud to announce that for the first time we have committed funding for our Corporate Plan, not just for one year but right through until 2022.”
Aspirational elements in the Corporate Plan include an early learning integrated centre, possibly for high-growth areas and based on the Franklin Early Childhood School in Canberra which has a strong multicultural purpose.
A convention centre combining business, entertainment, tourism and culture, and a museum of art exhibiting local, national and international works, are also future ideas.
The push to grow tourism in Logan City, and celebrating cultural diversity, are also key to the plan, with a stadium capable of hosting state, national and international sporting events, and a national women’s centre for sporting excellence.
Former Prime Minister John Howard is set to be special guest at a Logan budget breakfast on Tuesday.