IPSWICH Council kept its cards closely hidden this week in the lead-up to today’s (Thursday) 2023-24 Budget meeting by only saying that residential rates wouldn’t go up as much as the current CPI rate of seven per cent.
While the mayor went on record more than a week ago to confirm the rise will be below CPI this paper couldn’t get the official figures despite our publication coming out on the same day as the budget meeting.
It’s believed councillors had already signed off on a 5% plus increase so budget print material and press releases could be organised.
The rates have been rising in Ipswich for the past few years with the 2.75% increase in 2021-22, going to 4.49% in 2022-23 and while we know they won’t hit 7% it’s almost certain they will be close to 5.5% this year.
What has been revealed early is that fees and charges for Ipswich City Council services across 2023-2024 will rise by 4.7 per cent.
Gate fees for council’s two recycling and refuse centres at Riverview and Rosewood have remained at $14 for the first 500kg, with no increase this year.
The Food Organics Garden Organics bin service for tenants also remains at $80 annually.
Fees for venue hire across the city also remain largely unchanged, including for the Ipswich Civic Centre.
Cr Jacob Madsen said alongside the changes to fees and charges for 2023-2024, council would continue its discounts for prompt rates payments, and rates remissions for pensioners.
“Cost of living is a challenge across the board, and council is committed to supporting residents in managing the challenges we all face,” Cr Madsen said.
“This year’s budget will be responsible,” he said. A full overview of the budget will be reported next week.
