Scenic Rim ratepayers to pay $688 transport charge and $53 environmental levy

Scenic Rim ratepayers will pay two extra fixed charges on their 2026-2027 bills after councillors voted to levy a $688 Transport Infrastructure Charge and a $53 Environmental Charge. The environmental charge passed 4-3.

The charges were adopted as part of the council’s Revenue Statement 2026-2027. Both charges are to be applied through the 2026-2027 budget, with the transport charge fixed at $688.00 and the environmental charge at $53.00.

The environmental charge drew the tighter vote. Crs Kerri Cryer, Jennifer Sanders, Marshall Chalk and Duncan McInnes supported it, while Crs Tom Sharp, Amanda Hay and Stephen Moriarty voted against.

The special meeting also adopted the 2026-2027 Revenue Statement, differential general rates, waste utility charges, rural fire special charges for the Boonah and Beaudesert groups, and updated policies covering discounts, concessions, hardship, debt and overdue rates recovery.

Council adopted the Operational Plan 2026-2027, the budget, the long-term financial forecast, the estimated financial position and the ten-year capital program. It also approved the 2026-2027 Rates Category Changes Policy and the 2026-2027 Debt Policy.

The council confirmed 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 on application.

Council also adopted the recovery procedure for overdue rates and charges. That includes biannual rate notices, payment within 31 days, 12.19% annual interest on overdue amounts and a 5% discount for timely payment where eligible.

The charges apply across the Scenic Rim Regional Council area, including Boonah, Beaudesert and the Bromelton State Development Area.

The council resolved that the 2026-2027 Revenue Statement, budget and associated rates notices will be published and implemented from 1 July 2026.