The City has responded to increasing cost-of-living pressures by keeping the 2023-24 annual rates increase almost two percent below the official Consumer Price Index.
“We have worked tirelessly to find savings in every aspect of our $2.2 billion City Budget,” said Mayor Tom Tate.
“Council’s costs to deliver world-class infrastructure and services have also risen substantially, just like the costs for families and small businesses. We have worked to offset as much as we can, ensuring we maintain our 11-year record of low-rate increases.
“Since 2012, every annual rate increase (principal-place-of-residence) has been at, or below, CPI and this year we have delivered a rate increase of 5.5 percent, almost two percent below the official CPI (7.42 percent).
“I applaud councillors and the administration for their efforts in shaping our 2023-24 City Budget. We will continue to reform our organisation to ensure we deliver value-for-money for our operational and delivery areas.”
Mayor Tate said Gold Coasters had responded ‘in record numbers’ to the draft budget survey.
“More than 6100 locals had their say. The key areas they wanted Council to focus on were: the road network, parks and natural areas, parking and community safety. This budget responds with a record $777 million investment in capital expenditure across all areas of our operations.”
CORE SERVICES AND OVERALL INVESTMENT HIGHLIGHTS
- Providing safe and reliable drinking water – $288.68 million
- Waste collection and disposal services – $98.52 million
- Safe and reliable sewerage services – $217.74 million
- Recycling services – $45.58 million
- Transport and infrastructure – $378 million
- Community safety and lifestyle – $204 million
- Green space and environment – $243 million
- Business and economy – $120 million
