In tough economic times, the 2024/25 Budget focuses on getting the basics right for the City of Logan by investing in the core business of local government and making prompt payment discounts fairer.

Mayor Jon Raven said managing the challenges of population growth had driven many of the decisions made this year.

“Logan is in demand – people and businesses are moving to Logan in droves,” Cr Raven said.

“We have become the fastest growing city in the state so it’s essential we get the basics right.

“That’s because growth can bring challenges, such as increased demands on infrastructure amid soaring construction costs.

“In a housing crisis, Council is making sure new housing is coming online while still being able to deliver the infrastructure that turns our suburbs into connected and caring neighbourhoods.”

In line with community expectations, Council has allocated $135 million to roads and drainage capital works, as well as $1.8 million over two years for a new rapid-response road pavement repair team with a primary focus on potholes.

Council has also committed funds to much-loved community assets including $31 million on capital works at community and sporting facilities, $23 million on parks improvements and boosting environmental programs.

The city’s 1400-strong safety camera network will gain 24 new mobile and covert cameras to address hotspots for hooning and other anti-social behaviour in parks and public places in Logan.

As part of ongoing rates reform, 84 per cent of owner occupiers will get an annual $120 fixed discount for prompt payment.

Cr Raven said the change was about making rates fairer for the community.

“The vast majority of owner-occupiers will be getting a larger discount with this change,” Cr Raven said.

“To help ease cost-of-living pressures on seniors, we’ve increased pensioner discounts on rates and waste fees – they’ll be getting some of the biggest discounts offered across South East Queensland.”

The bottom-line rate increase for 2024/25 has been kept under CPI at 4.61 per cent or $139.10 per year, based on an average water use of 155kL annually. That equates to $2.68 per week extra for Residential 1 properties on the minimum charge.

Cr Raven said it was a responsible budget for challenging times.

“This is about focusing on the core business of local government – the services, infrastructure, and facilities our city needs,” Cr Raven said.

“As we aim to attract the kind of investments that create high value local jobs, we want to make sure Logan remains a city people are proud to call home.”

For more information about Council’s programs and services.

Budget snapshot

• Growth management: increased resourcing for development assessment services to support unprecedented growth
• Homelessness: Extra support for Council staff working with people who are experiencing homelessness
• City safety and liveability: 24 new mobile and covert cameras and a Council-led taskforce to combat the spread of fire ants on Council property
• Roads: $135 million capital works program, including Loganlea Rd, Chambers Flat Rd, Teviot Rd and major drainage upgrades in Eagleby and Rochedale South, plus $1.8 million over two years focused on pothole and road surface repairs
• Water and sewerage: $174 million capital works program, including investment in the Loganholme Wastewater Treatment Plant, and the networks supporting the city’s south-western growth areas
• Parks: $23 million capital works program, including Waterford West District Park, Logan Reserve Metro Sports and Alexander Clark Park
• Environment: $14.2 million towards supporting the city’s environmental diversity and protecting and enhancing green spaces
• Community and sporting infrastructure: $31 million capital works program, including Beenleigh Aquatic Centre development, Flagstone Community Centre, and clubhouses at Everleigh Park and McKinnon Sports Park
• Waste: $56 million to manage waste and recycling, with residential ratepayers continuing to receive four waste vouchers
• Libraries and creative industries: $20 million to continue a range of popular programs, services and events
• Rates: A bottom-line rate increase of 4.61 per cent or $139.10 per year for those on the minimum general rate (based on an average water use of 155kL annually)
• Pensioners: A 6 per cent increase to rates concession plus discounted waste charges