Special Ordinary - 1 Jul 2026 9:00 am

Topics

• Scenic Rim adopts 2026-2027 rates package, including differential general rates
  Council locks in its annual rates framework, with a single rate in the dollar by category and a 5/2 vote on the general rates motion.
  This will shape bills for households, rural landholders and businesses across the region.
• Waste charges and council-wide collection area approved
  Council adopts 2026-2027 waste management utility charges and designates all premises where waste services can be made available.
  Waste bills and service availability affect nearly every property in the council area.
• Transport Infrastructure Charge set at $688 for 2026-2027
  Council confirms a fixed annual transport infrastructure levy for ratepayers.
  The charge adds a clear dollar amount to annual bills and helps fund infrastructure costs.

Decisions

• 2026-2027 Revenue Statement adopted
  Council adopted the Revenue Statement 2026-2027 as tabled, forming the basis for rates, charges and financial settings for the year ahead.
  Sets the overall charges and financial rules that affect household and business bills across the region.
• Differential general rates approved
  Council resolved to levy differential general rates for 2026-2027 using a single rate in the dollar for each rating category, with set minimum rates. The motion was carried 5/2.
  Affects the rates payable by residential, rural and commercial property owners, with different categories carrying different charges.
• Waste management utility charges adopted
  Council adopted waste management utility charges for 2026-2027 and designated all premises in the Scenic Rim as areas where general waste collection may be provided. The motion to designate collection areas was carried 4/3.
  Directly affects waste service charges and collection availability for all properties able to receive council waste services.
• Separate infrastructure and environmental charges set
  Council resolved to levy a $688.00 Transport Infrastructure Charge and a $53.00 Environmental Charge for 2026-2027. The environmental charge motion was carried 4/3.
  Adds fixed charges to ratepayers’ annual bills to help fund infrastructure and environmental services.
• Rural fire special charges adopted for Boonah and Beaudesert
  Council adopted overall plans and special charges for the Boonah Rural Fire Group and Beaudesert Rural Fire Group for 2026-2027, including stated benefit areas and funding contributions.
  These charges help fund rural fire prevention and firefighting services in the affected catchments.
• Rates concessions and hardship settings updated
  Council adopted updated policies for rates discounting, concessions, financial hardship and rates-based financial assistance, replacing the previous versions adopted on 9 July 2025.
  These policies affect eligible residents, not-for-profits and community groups seeking rebates, discounts or hardship support on rates and charges.
• Overdue rates recovery rules confirmed
  Council adopted the recovery procedure for overdue rates and charges, including biannual rate notices, payment within 31 days, 12.19% annual interest on overdue amounts, and a 5% discount for timely payment where eligible.
  Sets the payment timetable, penalties and discounts that apply to all ratepayers.
• Debt policy adopted
  Council adopted the 2026-2027 Debt Policy, replacing the version adopted on 9 July 2025.
  Shapes how council manages borrowing and long-term financial risk, which can affect future service delivery and project funding.

Discussion

• Budget and financial statements
  Council considered the 2026-2027 Budget, long-term financial forecast, estimated financial position and ten-year capital program, and councillors gave speeches before the motion was put.
  The budget determines spending priorities, capital works and service levels across the region.
• Operational Plan 2026-2027
  Council adopted the Operational Plan 2026-2027 and delegated the CEO power to make minor grammatical and formatting changes before publication.
  Sets the council’s work program and delivery targets for the year.
• Rating category changes policy
  Council adopted the 2026-2027 Rates Category Changes Policy CP00007, replacing the prior version.
  Affects how land is classified for rating purposes and may influence future bill changes.
• Concessions for community organisations
  Council resolved that eligible not-for-profit organisations, community service providers and sporting organisations on council-owned or controlled land may receive full rebates of the general rate, separate charge and waste disposal utility charge upon application.
  Could reduce operating costs for local community groups and sporting clubs.

Impacts

• Rates bills for residential, rural and business properties may change under the new differential rating structure.
• Waste charges and collection availability apply across the council area where services can be made available.
• A fixed $688 Transport Infrastructure Charge and $53 Environmental Charge add to annual property bills.
• Eligible pensioners, veterans, not-for-profits, community service providers and sporting organisations may be able to access rebates or concessions.
• Overdue rates will attract 12.19% interest and early payment may qualify for a 5% discount if all charges are paid.

Places

• Scenic Rim Regional Council area (local government area)
  Area covered by the adopted rates, charges, waste collection, concessions and financial policies.
• Boonah (town/service area)
  A rural fire special charge was adopted for the Boonah Rural Fire Group catchment.
• Beaudesert (town/service area)
  A rural fire special charge was adopted for the Beaudesert Rural Fire Group catchment.
• Bromelton State Development Area (state development area)
  Referenced in rating category descriptions for certain land uses.

Next

• Publish and implement the 2026-2027 Revenue Statement, budget and associated rates notices.
  From 1 July 2026
• Apply the adopted differential rates, utility charges, separate charges and concessions in billing processes.
  2026-2027 financial year
• Use the adopted overdue rates recovery procedure, discount and interest settings for accounts issued in the year.
  Immediately after adoption
• Prepare public-facing final documents after any minor grammatical and formatting changes to the Operational Plan.
  Before publication

Extract

All correspondence to be addressed to the Chief Executive Officer Scenic Rim Regional Council PO Box 25 BEAUDESERT QLD 4285 ABN: 45 596 234 931 Beaudesert Administration Centre P: 07 5540 5111 F: 07 5540 5103 Boonah Administration Centre P: 07 5463 3000 F: 07 5463 2650 E: mail@scenicrim.qld.gov.au W: https://www.scenicrim.qld.gov.au/ Minutes Special Meeting Wednesday, 1 July 2026 Time: 9:00 am Location: Council Chambers 82 Brisbane Street BEAUDESERT QLD 4285 Special Meeting Minutes 1 July 2026 Scenic Rim Regional Council Special Meeting Wednesday, 1 July 2026 Minutes 1 Opening of Meeting ...........................................................................................................