TWO mayoral candidates have clashed over commitments to freeze rates and charges if elected in the 2020 Logan City Council election.
John Freeman's policy to freeze rates and charges for at least two years was set on July 27 and released to media on August 30.
Mr Freeman said his policy followed Cairns Regional Council's comparison of 12 local government areas, which found Logan City Council had the second highest median charges.
"Once the median rates level for the city is in the bottom quarter of the compared 12 councils I will progressively hold the city's average property rates increases below (CPI) for the next four and possibly eight years," he said.
"If you look at the net rates and charges (excluding water and sewerage)...Logan is the fourth lowest of the local governments in the report.
"Our city will have mainly new inexperienced councillors after the next election and they will need to set the path forward for the city with a responsible long term financial plan..."
The policy was released before Paul Taylor announced his candidacy and declared he would freeze rates and charges over four years at a Logan Ratepayers Association meeting on October 7
Mr Freeman said it seemed like his idea was "worthy to copy".
"I was at the meeting where (Mr Taylor) announced his proposed freeze and was not forthcoming with details," Mr Freeman said.
Mr Taylor hit back and said he independently settled on his policies on August 30 well in advance of launching his campaign.
"I have never been a follower, all my life I have been a leader," he said.
"This particular policy (to freeze rates) will give stability to business and every household in the city of Logan.
"It will attract small businesses to Logan and investment in Logan."
When asked how he could afford the ambitious rate freeze, Mr Taylor said he would cut waste and find savings.
Mayoral candidate and Logan Chamber of Commerce secretary Stewart Fleming said it was too early to say whether he would definitely freeze or lower rates.
"There is a lot to take into consideration," he said.
"Looking at the budget, the work done so far would indicate that there may be some rate relief possible.
"If possible, I would like to see a rate reduction."
The 2019-2020 budget handed down by administrator Tamara O'Shea passed on a below CPI rate increase of 1.49 per cent.
