Rates summary - Budget 2019-20

This summary aims to help explain the differences for rates, levies, discounts and remissions as a result of the 2019-20 Lord Mayor's Budget.

General rates

In order to meet Council's commitments in getting you home quicker and safer, growing your Brisbane lifestyle, and planning for Brisbane’s future, owner-occupied residential rates have risen by 2.5%. This compares to 2.5% in the 2018-19 budget.

Separate rates and utility charges

  • Waste Utility Charges have increased by 2.5% from $334 to $342.36.
  • Commercial rate accounts will include a Commercial Waste Utility Charge of $60 associated with the Queensland Government’s Waste Disposal Levy.
  • Environmental Management and Compliance Levy (EMCL) remains at 5% of general rates which is a level that has not been changed since 1997-98.
  • Bushland Preservation Levy remains at 3.5% of general rates. Find out more about how the Bushland Preservation Levy is being used to protect and enhance Brisbane's natural environment.

Rate capping, discounts and remissions

  • Pensioner rates remissions will increase by 2.5%.
  • A First Home Owner’s remission will commence on 1 October 2019, providing eligible First Home Buyers with a 50% reduction to a maximum of $1,000 on rates for the first twelve months of home ownership.
  • Not-for-profit organisations will continue to receive a partial-rate remission of 50% of general rates. Find out if your business might be eligible and how you can apply to receive this remission.
  • Rate capping will continue to be granted at 7.5% of general rates for owner-occupiers of residential properties (categories 1 and 10). This amount remains the same as the previous budget.
  • The rate cap for non-residential/commercial properties included in categories 16 and 17 is 10% for 2019-20. Find out more about rate capping.
  • Council offers remissions (discounts) on rates to eligible residents with properties in categories 1 or 10 to pay their rates by the due date. This discount remains unchanged at $60 per annum.

Find out more about pensioner remissions, including amounts and eligibility.

Changes in minimum rates

Minimum general rates have increased in the 2019-20 budget by $17.88 for owner-occupied properties and $33.04 for non-owner occupied, bringing them to $733.76 and $977.28 respectively. Despite this increase, Brisbane will still have the lowest minimum general rates in South East Queensland.

More information

Find out the full details of these charges, discounts, eligibility, and rating categories in the Resolution of Rates and Charges in the budget section.

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