Each year I receive inquiries and feedback about the level of Rates and Charges which are adopted in Bundaberg Regional Council’s respective budgets. Without doubt, the main backlash comes from new residents who have moved to the region from major centres such as Brisbane & Sydney where their former rates were significantly lower.
When it’s explained to them, most people understand that the bulk of any Council’s revenue comes from the rates and charges that it levies to provide an accepitable level and range of services to the community. The simply fact is that the denser the population (ratepayer) base is, the wider the financial load can be spread and the cheaper it becomes for individual property owners.
Over the last few years I’ve posted an annual comparison of the Rates & Charges (utility services) adopted by 15 local governments which are primarily located along the Queensand coast. Admittedly, these figures (compiled by Council’s Revenue Staff) relate mainly to urban properties which receive sewerage, water and waste removal services however they are relevant to the vast majority of Division 5 ratepayers. (Please note that the Minimum General Rate is used as it’s impossible to fairly compare the wide and complex range of rating categories and philosophies as adopted by each Council).
Despite suffering the worst natural disaster in living history, this year’s comparision places Bundaberg in 6th place and ahead of some of the major population centres including Cairns (just), the Gold Coast, Redlands and Logan and even further ahead of Townsville, Rockhampton, Gympie, Mackay and the Fraser Coast
The full comparison list can be viewed here: 2013-2014 Rates & Charges Comparison
None of us like paying taxes, rates or other government charges and there will alway be those who object no matter what. The purpose of this post is not to try and appease them nor to necessarily change their opinion but to at least provide some basic information for them to consider when they weigh up their arguement and compare the lifestyle issues that each region offers.