Lid kept on rates climb

THE Gold Coast is outperforming rival southeast Queensland councils by delivering lower rate rises – and a big reason why is the contributions from developers.

The Coast, with a 1.73 per cent rate rise today, is outperforming Brisbane (2.4 per cent), Scenic Rim (2.1 per cent) and Moreton Bay (2.89 per cent) with Redlands, Logan and Sunshine Coast yet to release their budgets.

The Bulletin understands the Gold Coast City Council will deliver no increase to water charges, regarding both consumption and service costs.

The State Government bulk water charge is $2.91/kl which represents 72.75 per cent of the total consumption charge.

The State charge is a 3.56 per cent increase on the previous year’s bulk water charge and prompted criticism from ratepayer groups.