SPEECH: Cr Karen Murphy

Despite the current economic challenges we face, which are influenced by many factors beyond our control, we have worked diligently on this budget to ensure that our residents continue to receive the high-quality Council services they rely on every day.

We are fully aware of the impact of rising living costs on our community, and this budget has been carefully prepared with those economic pressures in mind. Today, we present a well-balanced budget that is both fiscally responsible and sound.

Let me highlight some key points from the budget:

As the Mayor mentioned, most residential ratepayers will experience a modest increase of $2.28 per week, or 4.09%, in the new financial year. We have made great efforts to keep this increase well below the Brisbane CPI increase of 7.4% in the March quarter.

Our pensioners will continue to receive a discount on rates charges for owner-occupied properties. Those on a full pension will receive a concession of $402 per year, while those on a part pension will receive $201.

In this budget, we have adjusted some rates categories to ensure a fairer and more equitable method of rates assessment across the city. This adjustment will impact certain single-titled unit blocks and some commercial and industrial operations.

Water consumption charges will remain unchanged in 2023/24; however, there will be a 3% increase in water and sewerage connection fees.

Additionally, you will notice on your next rates bill that the Queensland Government has increased its bulk water price by 2.12%.

To alleviate the impact of certain charges, we have reduced the burden to residents of water lost due to hidden leaks.

Starting July 1, Council will cover half of the charges of the total leak. All residential properties that  receive a water bill, including those that are tenanted, and meet the concealed leak policy will be eligible for this support.

Community services

To further support our community, this budget allocates funding to assist the numerous community groups and sporting organisations that contribute to the vibrancy of the City of Logan.

Council currently provides and maintains 53 general community spaces and 17 community centres.

Other Council-funded community infrastructure works include:

• $1 million to commence construction of the Wilbur St youth centre in Logan Central,
• And over $1.3 million in grants programs to enhance social, environmental, cultural and economic development across our city.

Roads

Our extensive road and drainage infrastructure, spanning over 3700 kilometres, is one of our city’s most valuable assets.

The maintenance of these networks represents a significant cost in our yearly budget.

We have witnessed substantial cost increases in recent times due to rising price of concrete, steel, bitumen and fuel along with skill shortages and supply chain issues.

In light of these challenges, we have explored innovative methods to maintain our road and drainage networks.

This budget allocates $265 million for roads, drainage, and engineering services, including $121 million for capital works projects.

As part of this overall allocation, Council has utilised high-tech cameras and AI-based computer programs to identify minor repairs before they become major projects.

Additionally, our road crews have been utilising a specially operated truck, known as a “Jet Patcher” make pothole repairs quicker and safer.

Key road and drainage projects currently underway or in the pipeline include:

• A $38 million upgrade of Chambers Flat Rd
• A $32.6 million master drainage upgrade beneath Kelly St and Cowper Ave in Eagleby to enhance flood resilience
• And the $6.8 million second stage of local road upgrades in Jimboomba.

Environment

Our commitment to environmental preservation has garnered international recognition.

The Environment Levy funds much of the work we undertake in this area.

This budget includes an annual increase of $7 per property towards the Environment Levy to sustain a range of activities, services, and projects focused on the natural environment and sustainability.

The Environment Levy for the next year will be $94.40 per property,

Council has also allocated over $17 million in this budget to enhance our green spaces and protect wildlife corridors including:

• The construction of the new Riverine Discovery Centre on the Albert River at Eagleby
• A deep clean of the Logan and Albert Rivers to remove large debris from last year’s floods
• Ongoing funding for Land for Wildlife and Habitat Connections members
• Community-based events such as the Logan Eco Action Festival
• More Enviro Grants for community groups
• Continuing Council’s popular free trees program
• And funding for wildlife advisory signs and conservation initiatives that benefit our koala, platypus and glossy black cockatoo populations.

Parks

Over the next 12 months, this budget allocates $63 million for the management and maintenance of our 962 parks and reserves across 70 suburbs, including $13.4 million for capital works projects.

 Many park upgrades are also supported through the divisional Local Infrastructure Program and the City Beautification Program.

These works emphasise innovative and safe design and feature popular amenities such as basketball half-courts, ninja fitness courses, adventure playgrounds, flying foxes, dry creek beds and nature play areas.

We are also installing more barbecues, picnic shelters, water bubblers, dog off-leash areas and additional dog waste bins.

Waste services

Waste and recycling services have experienced significant cost increases across the industry. However, Council remains committed to increasing recycling efforts and reducing landfill waste.

We have introduced mattress shredding to recover metal springs for recycling, reducing the landfill space required for discarded mattresses by up to 90%.

To combat illegal dumping, this budget funds a new rapid response task force targeting individuals who use our streets and footpaths as dumping grounds.

Unfortunately, Council receives a high volume of reports about illegal dumping of abandoned and burnt-out vehicles, unlawful signage and shopping trolleys. This funding will arm Council with the resources needed to tackle this issue and bring those responsible to account.

While charges for some Council waste services will rise from July 1, we will continue to provide four free waste vouchers annually for residential property owners, along with free dumping of residential green waste.

Other services

This budget strikes a balance by investing in various areas that support the needs of residents and businesses, while also creating opportunities for families to thrive in our city.

Funding will continue for the Mayor’s Local Job and Skills Taskforce, which has already provided employment opportunities to more than 300 individuals of all ages in the local community.

We are expanding and upgrading our safety camera network, ensuring that the City of Logan remains one of the safest in Australia.

Council buildings and facilities will be equipped with more solar panels to reduce electricity costs.

We will also continue to invest in solar-powered speed advisory signs and safe parking campaigns that improve road safety, especially around schools.

In conclusion, this billion-dollar budget reflects our commitment to making decisions that are right for the current times while also safeguarding the future of the City of Logan.

We have achieved a balance across all priorities while maintaining a sound financial position for Council.

Alongside the Mayor and my fellow Councillors, as the Governance Chair, I am proud to present the 2023/24 Logan City Council Budget.

Thank you.