Cost of living pressures on households recognised in setting of fees and charges
27 June 2024
In an effort to keep costs for Ipswich households as low as possible, Ipswich City Council fees and charges for services will be contained to an average rise of 4.5 per cent from 1 July.
Finance and Governance Committee Chairperson Councillor Paul Tully said council recognised cost of living pressures remained in focus for Ipswich households.
“Residents are feeling the pinch in their household budget. Recognising this, council is working hard to keep essential service delivery cost increases as low as possible,” Cr Tully said.
From 1 July, most regulatory fees for permits, registrations, licencing and related services will rise on average 4.5 per cent.
Cr Tully said the increases reflected rising costs to council for essential service delivery.
“Just as households’ costs are up, it is costing council more to deliver essential services our community expects, to fuel its fleet and construct necessary community infrastructure to cater for our growing city,” Cr Tully said.
“The average increase to fees and charges is based on a forecast Council Cost Index (CCI), which tracks how much more it is costing councils to deliver services, and shows costs for councils have continued to rise faster than CPI.
“While council understands any rise directly impacts household budgets, these rises are necessary to ensure service delivery keeps pace with community demand in our fast growing city.
“Year on year, council is continuing to invest more in local roads, sporting fields and community programs, and transforming its resource recovery services to minimise the rising costs of the State Government wase levy.
“Council has reviewed and reduced more than $16 million in its operational expenses over the past four years and is continuing to identify savings across a range of areas to lessen the burden on ratepayers.”
From 1 July, the following charges will apply:
- The hourly paid parking rate will be $1.60, up from $1.40
- An additional domestic bin collection out of normal service will cost $24.80 per year, up $1
- Introductory dog registration fees will remain at a discounted rate of $20
- Registration of a desexed dog will be $46 ($31 for pensioners), up $2
More information about Ipswich City Council's 2024-2025 Annual Plan and Budget can be found on council's website.