Council aiming for no rate rise across Lockyer Valley

Lockyer Valley Regional Council is aiming to hand down a zero per cent rate rise for residents in the upcoming 2020/2021 Budget.

Lockyer Valley Mayor, Cr Tanya Milligan said this was an example of Council supporting local businesses and the regional economy throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

"I want to assure our residents that, as a Council, this is something we are committed to doing.

"This pandemic has hit so many people in so many ways and I want to say to our community that we get it. We really do.

"We are here for you and we want to support residents of the Lockyer Valley through this unprecedented time," Mayor Milligan said.

In recognition of the important role Local Government plays in these circumstances, last month Council passed a range of financial relief and economic support measures in addition to its Hardship Policy.

The Hardship Policy provides a consistent framework for financial relief and is supported by additional measures, including: reviewing payment plans for ratepayers and debtors; all external debt collection processes to be placed on hold until 30 June 2020; interest on overdue rates and charges and sundry debtors to be placed on hold from 1 March 2020 until 30 June 2020 and extending the due date for licence renewals for food businesses to 30 September 2021, while still ensuring appropriate inspections and risk management of premises.

Lockyer Valley Regional Council is on track to hand down its 2020/2021 Budget late next month.

"Council is well into the process of looking at where operational savings can be found, and services reduced to ease the burden on ratepayers," Mayor Milligan said.

Mayor Milligan also moved to thank both the State and Federal Governments for hearing the pleas of Queensland councils and recognising the importance of Local Government.

"Under the Battle Plan, Council provided proposals on more than 60 projects with the potential to generate a significant number of jobs over the next four years.

"Just last week it was announced the region would receive a $927,000 boost as part of the Federal Government's $1.8 billion cash injection for road and community projects through local governments across Australia.

"This funding will be used to fund community infrastructure projects and generate local jobs and, importantly, will help to maintain key community services while reducing the burden on our ratepayers," Mayor Milligan said.