governance · Scenic Rim Regional Council
Scenic Rim adopts 2026-27 fees, revenue policy with case-by-case wording change
Scenic Rim Regional Council has adopted its 2026-27 fees schedule and revenue policy, including a $2,346 minimum fee for peer reviews and a wording change to allow case-by-case treatment.
Scenic Rim Regional Council has adopted its 2026-27 Register of Fees and Charges and its Revenue Policy at its ordinary meeting in Beaudesert on 27 May 2026, after also backing quarterly finance and service reports and handling a 4-3 vote on councillor conference travel.
The fees register was adopted with an amendment to the entry for "Fee for Expert Advice and/or Assessment of Technical Reports by Council Engaged External Consultants/Specialists (Peer Review)". Council added the words, "Price at cost with a minimum fee structure set at $2,346.00". It also delegated authority to the Chief Executive Officer to make minor grammatical and formatting changes if required.
Council also adopted the Revenue Policy 2026-2027, adding the words "on a case-by-case basis" to section 4.4(b)(iv).
The changes affect the Scenic Rim Region from the start of the new financial year. The fees and charges register covers what residents, businesses and community groups pay for council services, permits and related charges. The revenue policy sets the framework for how council applies revenue-related decisions, including treatment on a case-by-case basis in one area.
The meeting also approved the Quarter Three Operational Plan 2025-2026 Progress Report and the Quarter Three 2025-2026 Service Delivery Report. Council adopted the 2025-2026 Quarter Three March Budget Review.
Finance and audit items were also noted. Council received the unaudited monthly financial report for April 2026, noted the Auditor-General's Interim Report for the 2025-2026 financial year, and noted the Audit and Risk Committee report from 19 March 2026.
A late-item report on the Hinchcliffe Bridge project noted an update and budget increase, with additional funding requests included in the Quarter Three Budget Review.
Council also voted 4-3 to allow interested councillors to attend the 2026 Australian Local Government Women's Association National 75th Anniversary Conference in Manly, New South Wales, on 20-22 August 2026. The estimated cost per person is $3,439.09, GST inclusive. Any attending councillor must report back on initiatives and outcomes.
Council also appointed councillor representatives to internal and external committees and forums for May 2026 to May 2027 and authorised payment of reasonable attendance costs. Organisations are to be advised of the appointments.
The meeting went into closed session for court, land and confidential employee matters, including a Planning and Environment Court appeal involving Cheapaway.com.au Pty Ltd and 38 Queen Street, Harrisville. Limited public detail was released on the outcomes.
Reference minutes
Source: Scenic Rim Regional Council ordinary meeting minutes, 27 May 2026.
Key facts from the minutes
- Council adopted the 2026-27 Register of Fees and Charges.
- Council adopted the Revenue Policy 2026-27 with wording added to section 4.4(b)(iv): "on a case-by-case basis".
- The peer review fee line now includes "Price at cost with a minimum fee structure set at $2,346.00".
- The conference attendance item passed 4-3, with an estimated cost of $3,439.09 per person, GST inclusive.
- Council approved quarter three operational plan and service delivery reports for 2025-26.
- Council adopted the 2025-26 Quarter Three March Budget Review.
- Council noted an update and budget increase for the Hinchcliffe Bridge project.
Why it matters
- The adopted fees schedule and revenue policy affect what residents, businesses and community groups pay across the Scenic Rim in 2026-27, and the policy wording gives council case-by-case flexibility in one area.