Ratepayers in flood-ravaged Ipswich will be hit with a significant rate rise in the next financial year.
The total rate rise, including charges is 4.49 per cent — compared to a 2.75 per cent increase last financial year.
Mayor Teresa Harding handed down her third budget today, totalling $621 million, with a major focus on flood recovery and mitigation.
She said $30 million has been allocated to repair damage from the February floods, including roads, drains, sporting fields and parks, while $810,000 will be spent on flood mitigation projects.
"Our city was hit extremely hard by twin weather events this year and many parts are only just recovering," Ms Harding said.
"Council repaired 3,000 potholes already this year as a result of flooding. We have set aside a further $1 million to fix 6,000 potholes over the next financial year.
"Just as we were getting back on our feet [from the flood disaster], the world started to feel the pressures of the war in Ukraine.
"We know people are taking a hit in the back pocket and it's impacting everywhere."
Part-pensioners receive help
Ms Harding said council was not immune to the effect of rising costs, but the "budget manages the challenges of today while keeping up with the times of tomorrow".
"There's no denying this has been a tough budget to develop in the midst of mounting external pressures," she said.
"The average increase in total rates and charges is $1.48 per week.
"Pensioners on a full pension can continue to claim the concession of up to $245 per year."
Part-pensioners will also be eligible for rate-relief as part of a new concession program.
From July 1, residential owner occupiers who receive any part-pension will be eligible to receive a remission of up to $120 per annum.
"About 3,500 part-pensioners will be provided the remission with the new program costing council $430,000," Ms Harding said.
Not all projects to go ahead
More than $229 million has been allocated for major projects across the city.
This includes $41.5 million for the Nicholas Street redevelopment, which was commissioned by the Pisasale council.
"While this wasn't the decision of this council to embark on this ambitious project, we've had no other option than to deliver the best possible outcome and the greatest financial return for the people of Ipswich," Ms Harding said.
"As we watch a once derelict mall transform into one of south-east Queensland's premier dining and entertainment precincts, I'm proud to say that this is owned by and for the people of Ipswich."
However, while most councillors voted to pass the budget, Deputy Mayor Jacob Madsen voted against a large portion after some projects were left out.
"Not happy to see the William and Mary Street, Blackstone intersection deferred," he said.
"That's a project that in a perfect world would have been delivered well before I had any interest in being a councillor. Same can be said of the Ripley Road, Reif Street intersection at Flinders View."
Both projects were outlined in Ipswich Council's three year capital works plan for 2020 to 2023.
He also raised concerns about council's future finances.
"I've got some serious concerns about where our finances sit beyond the forward estimates, those years five to 10," he explained.
"In the budget it's got some pretty big budget surpluses projected and I don't know if we've found the golden goose.
"[The rising cost of living] is concerning and I think we could have pretty horrible operating conditions in 12 months if things don't go our way.
"It's just important for me this morning to draw a line in the sand and say there are things I'm not moving on. These are things I'm not accepting — these are things that we need to do better."
