June 5, 2013
Most South Burnett families will pay an extra $600 per year in State fees and charges as a result of yesterday’s Queensland Budget.
About $340 of this will come from the 22.6 per cent electricity price rises that will be introduced on July 1.
A further $183.85 will come from the emergency management, fire and rescue levy, which will be added to all rates notices from January 1; and the balance will come from assorted increases in fees and charges, such as a 2 per cent increase in many common insurance premiums that will begin on August 1.
The State Government estimates the total effect of the Budget will be to add an average $181 per capita to the annual cost of living for all Queenslanders, although the actual cost will vary depending on individual circumstances.
Today Premier Campbell Newman defended the decision to impose the extra charges, saying that if his government hadn’t made tough decisions over the past year the State would be much worse off.
He acknowledged that restructuring the public service had seen people lose their jobs, but said if this hadn’t been undertaken then rises of a far greater magnitude would have been “absolutely mandatory”.
From July 1, the amount every Queenslander will pay to State Government is predicted to rise from $2347 in 2012-13 to $2528 in 2013-14.
However Treasurer Tim Nicholls said Queensland would still “retain its competitive tax status” when compared with other Australian States and territories, which have an average payment of $3003, ie $475 more than Queensland.
In 2013-14 the South Burnett Regional Council area will contribute an estimated $81.5 million to the State Budget, up $5.8 million on its contribution last year.
In return, specific projects announced in yesterday’s State Budget will inject $124.9 million into the region.
The region will also benefit from its share of wider projects, such as the 5.1 per cent increase in the Darling Downs Hospital and Health Service’s budget to $568.3 million; the National Disability insurance scheme; and community grants programs distributed through the year.
Related articles:
