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Non-resident owners of high-end properties in the Douglas Shire are set to pay more for their rates after the Council adopted its 2021/22 annual budget, including new categories under its rates structure.
The minimum rate increase across the board has been set at 2.8%, however revenue to the Council from rates and utilities (water, sewerage and waste) is set to increase by 4.6% - almost double last year's rise.
Some of that revenue increase can be put down to new housing development, while a new waste collection contract has increased the utility rate by 5.38%.
A Council spokesperson said residential properties with valuations of more than $2-million and which are not the principal place of residence for the owner, will see the highest rate increases among the 26 new categories.
The categories are now determined by land use, the availability and consumption of services, and the capacity of the land to produce income.
The spokesperson couldn't provide the figure for the average general rates rise, which is calculated by combining the rates from different categories of land with land valuations and utility fees.
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However, Mayor Michael Kerr said the new categories achieve a more equitable distribution of rates, closer in line with community expectations.
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“Further rate model reviewing will be done next year to improve the fairness and balance of rateable properties," he said.
“Under our new categories, people who live locally in their house or unit have a fairer assessment of their bills than ever before.”
About 36% of people living in units, known as Residential Building Units, will see a reduction in their rates bill, while owners of productive rural land and commercial properties will receive a 2.8% general rate increase.
Applications for pensioner and other rebates are now open, with $524,000 set aside to cover the cost.
Unlocking residential land
The budget also includes a $1-million investment in trunk infrastructure to help unlock the first two stages of residential land, the New Port Estate, on 180 acres south of Craiglie.
Construction will include a culvert crossing, street extension, a sewer pump station and extensions of Council’s water and sewer mains.
Stage one of the estate, comprising 32 residential lots and a park, is well underway and Council’s planners are currently assessing a development application for stage two, which includes a further 34 residential lots.
Water security
As the population grows, water security is also front and centre.
Estimations based on current average water use and projected population growth show Mossman-Port Douglas communities will reach the limit of Council’s water licence from Rex Creek by 2025-2026.
$3.73 million has been set aside for work on the water network and water quality as the Council investigates the most viable option for securing a more reliable supply.
“Our plan is to progress our investigations into a 1GL water storage solution while we continue to obtain the relevant permits for a second intake along the Mossman River, then bring one of these solutions forward to shovel-ready status,” Cr Kerr said.
“This will allow us to lobby our State and Federal Governments for funding to secure our long-term water security which is essential for economic growth and prosperity.”
Main points
- Non-resident owners of $2m + properties will receive the highest rates increases
- Rates bills will rise by a minimum 2.8% across the board
- Douglas Shire Council recently reviewed property categories in its rates structure
