Ratepayers in flood-ravaged Ipswich will be hit with a significant rate rise in the next financial year.
The total rate went up by 4.49 per cent, compared to a 2.75 per cent increase last year.
The mayor Teresa Harding handed down her third budget today, totalling $621 million, with a focus on flood recovery and mitigation.
She said $30 million has been allocated to repair damage caused by 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 this year by twin weather events, and many parts are just recovering well, Ms Harding said.
The council has fixed 3,000 potholes already this year because of flooding. We have set aside $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 that people are taking a hit in the back pocket and it's impacting everywhere. She said that the budget manages the challenges of today while keeping up with the times of tomorrow and there is no doubt that this has been a tough budget to develop in the midst of mounting external pressures.
The average increase in total rates and charges is $1.48 per week.
The concession is up to $245 per year for pensioners on a full pension. Part-pensioners will be eligible for rate-relief as part of a new concession program.
From July 1, residential owners who receive a part-pension will be eligible to receive a remission of up to $120 per annum.
The remission will be provided by about 3,500 part-pensioners, with the new program costing council $430,000, according to Ms Harding.
More than $229 million has been allocated for major projects across the city.
This includes $41.5 million for Nicholas Street redevelopment, which was commissioned by the Pisasale council.
Ms Harding said that this was not the decision of the council to embark on this ambitious project, but we had no other option but to deliver the best possible outcome and the greatest financial return for the people of Ipswich.
I'm proud to say that this is owned by and for the people of Ipswich as we watch a once derelict mall transform into one of the premier dining and entertainment precincts in south-east Queensland. The budget was passed by the council this morning.