Agenda of Council Special Meeting - Tuesday, 1 July 2025

Council

Special Meeting Agenda

1 July

2025

Doc ID No: A11674394

ITEM: 6.1

SUBJECT: Adoption of Infrastructure Levy Policy

AUTHOR: Chief Financial Officer

DATE: 18 June 2025

Executive Summary

This is a report concerning the proposed adoption of an Infrastructure Levy Policy that supports an Infrastructure Separate Levy (the levy), as proposed in the 2025-2025 Budget.

Recommendation/s

That Council adopt the Infrastructure Levy Policy, as contained in Attachment 1.

RELATED PARTIES

This report deals with the adoption of a levy policy and does not specifically reference any third party. No conflicts of interest have been declared as of the date of this report.

ifuture Theme

Vibrant and Growing

Purpose of Report/Background

Adequate investment in strategic infrastructure is essential to support a strong local economy and enhance the lives of community members.

Strategic infrastructure encompasses infrastructure outlined in the Local Government Infrastructure Plan (LGIP) and other works significant to support the city of Ipswich’s growth.

Councils’ assessments of the long-term infrastructure needs of the Ipswich local government area have identified a substantial shortfall in the funding available to progress key development projects.

This forecast revenue gap is illustrated by the 2024 LGIP, which outlines the key trunk projects required to support Ipswich’s growing community over a 25 year planning horizon, identified a sustainability ratio (the portion of required expenditure expected to be met by forecast revenue) of less than 40% (based on the 10 year planning horizon).

Revenue available for strategic infrastructure projects is typically sourced from a combination of developer contributions, grants and borrowings. These funding sources have limitations which prevent Council from being able to adequately and expediently develop key assets. For example, developer contributions are subject to Maximum Allowable Charges set by the State, which is often insufficient to fund local trunk infrastructure developments. Likewise, grants are contingent on the willingness of external parties to progress a project, and often require co-contributions from Council.

In order to ensure that Council can sustainably fund key infrastructure projects, it is proposed in the 2025-2026 Budget, that provision be made to levy a separate rate for funding strategic infrastructure on all rateable land from 1 July 2025. This proposed policy, at Attachment 1, provides the principles behind, and basis on which the levy willed be applied as funding for strategic projects.

Local governments are permitted to levy separate rates and charges on rateable land, under the Local Government Act 2009.

The levy may be expended only within the Ipswich local government area, on strategic infrastructure projects. The revenue raised under this levy, and its contribution to strategic projects, will be subject to clear and transparent reporting.

Legal IMPLICATIONS

This report and its recommendations are consistent with the following legislative provisions:

• Local Government Act 2009

• Local Government Regulation 2012

policy implications

The proposed new policy is consistent with, and complimentary to Council’s existing suite of policies, specifically in relation to financial management and infrastructure development.

RISK MANAGEMENT IMPLICATIONS

The intent of this policy is to permit a new mechanism for revenue generation to assist in mitigating the risks of potential underdevelopment of strategic infrastructure in the local government area, and/or unsustainable reliance on external debt. The policy encompasses governance requirements to reduce financial risk.

Financial/RESOURCE IMPLICATIONS

The intent of the proposed policy is to provide funding to support the development of key strategic infrastructure for the benefit of the Ipswich community in a financially sustainable manner. The annual value of funds raised by the levy will be determined as part of the annual budget each year, and will be subject to a specific budget resolution.

For the 2025-2026 financial year, the levy is proposed to raise approximately $5.4 million, with the majority of rateable land paying $55 per annum.

COMMUNITY and OTHER CONSULTATION

The Infrastructure Levy Policy has been developed in conjunction with the 2025-2026 Budget. The Mayor and all Councillors have been included in its development as well as the Executive Leadership Team and senior officers across Council.

Conclusion

The adoption of this new Infrastructure Levy Policy is proposed to provide a basis against which a separate levy may be applied within the 2025-2026 Budget to assist in funding strategic infrastructure within the Ipswich LGA.HUMAN RIGHTS IMPLICATIONS

HUMAN RIGHTS IMPACTS
OTHER DECISION
	A11694482
(a) What is the Act/Decision being made?	The Recommendation proposes that Council adopt an Infrastructure Levy Policy. The Policy will provide a basis against which an infrastructure rate may be applied to ratable properties.
(b) What human rights are affected?	The adoption of this policy is concerned with the related governance and application of the funds raised by the levy and does not impact human rights. The implementation of the separate levy will be the subject of separate report and its associated human rights assessment.
(c) How are the human rights limited?	Not applicable
(d) Is there a good reason for limiting the relevant rights? Is the limitation fair and reasonable?	Not applicable
(e) Conclusion	The decision is consistent with human rights.

Attachments and Confidential Background Papers

1.	Infrastructure Levy Policy ⇩

Christina Binoya

Chief Financial Officer

I concur with the recommendations contained in this report.

Matt Smith

General Manager (Corporate Services)

“Together, we proudly enhance the quality of life for our community”

Council

Special Meeting Agenda

1 July

2025

Doc ID No: A11538522

ITEM: 6.4

SUBJECT: Overall Plan for the Rural Fire Resources Levy Special Charge

AUTHOR: Treasury Accounting Manager

DATE: 9 June 2025

Executive Summary

This is a report concerning the adoption of an Overall Plan for the Rural Fire Resources Levy Special Charge (the Overall Plan). The Overall Plan is made in accordance with section 94 of the Local Government Regulation 2012 for the special benefited area adopted by Council in the 2025-2026 Budget.

Recommendation/s

That in accordance with section 94 of the Local Government Regulation 2012, Ipswich City Council adopt the Overall Plan, as detailed in this report, for the Rural Fire Resources Levy Special Charge.

RELATED PARTIES

The related parties associated with this report include:

· Rural Fire Service

· (Ipswich area) Rural Fire Brigades

· Local Area Finance Committee

· Queensland Fire Department (QFD) formerly known as Queensland Fire and Emergency Services

ifuture Theme

A Trusted and Leading Organisation

Purpose of Report/Background

Section 94 of the Local Government Regulation 2012 requires Council to make an overall plan for the implementation of a special charge. The overall plan must be adopted by resolution of Council either before or at the same time Council resolves to levy the special rate or charge. However, the Budget resolution making a special rate or charge must make mention of the overall plan.

An overall plan must include the following:

(i) describe the service, facility or activity;

(ii) identify the rateable land to which the special rates or charges apply;

(iii) state the estimated cost of carrying out the overall plan; and

(iv) state the estimated time for carrying out the overall plan.

RURAL FIRE RESOURCES LEVY SPECIAL CHARGE OVERALL PLAN

Service, Facility or Activity

The specially benefited area will receive the benefit of activities and improvements funded by the Rural Fire Brigades in the Ipswich City Council local government area, including:

(i) the purchase of equipment not usually supplied by the Queensland Government;

(ii) maintenance of equipment;

(iii) additional training;

(iv) funding of administration and day-to-day operating expenses;

(v) promotion of the Rural Fire Services in the community and the attractive opportunity to participate as a volunteer;

(vi) grading of fire tracks to ensure adequate access for firefighting equipment; and

(vii) capital improvements to rural fire brigade depots.

Identification of the rateable land to which the Special Rates or Charges apply

In accordance with section 94 of the Local Government Regulation 2012, Council is of the opinion that each parcel of rateable land within the Ipswich local government area that is not within the boundaries of the Rosewood Levy District and Ipswich Levy District (the Urban Fire Boundaries), as defined by the QFD and detailed in Attachment 1, will receive a special benefit from the services, facilities and activities funded by the Rural Fire Resources Levy Special Charge.

Estimated cost of carrying out the Overall Plan

The total cost of carrying out the Overall plan is estimated to be $408,000. This includes both operating and capital expenditure components.

Estimated time for carrying out the Overall Plan

The estimated time for carrying out this Overall Plan is one year, being 1 July 2025 – 30 June 2026 inclusive.

Other information relevant to the Overall Plan

On the basis that this Overall Plan is for a period of not more than 1 year, an annual implementation plan, as required under section 94(7) of the Local Government Regulation 2012, is not considered necessary and has not been prepared.

Table 1 details the number of properties that have been subject to the Rural Fire Resources Levy Special Charge in recent years.

Table 1

Year	Properties
2024	3170
2025	3279
2026 (estimated)	3393

Table 2 details the collections and disbursements related to the special charge for 2024‑2025. It also includes the estimated revenue for 2025-2026 from the special charge if adopted at $39 per annum for each parcel of rateable land as well as the estimated disbursements.

Table 2

2024-2025
Unspent separate charges carried forward from 2023-2024	$75,747
add special charges levied from the 2024-2025 Overall Plan	$127,881
less disbursements under the 2024-2025 Overall Plan	$395,000
add funding received from separate charges levied	$286,613
Unspent separate charges to be carried forward	$95,241
2025-2026
Unspent separate charges carried forward from 2024‑2025	$95,241
add special charges estimated from the 2025-2026 Overall Plan	$129,988
less disbursements estimated under the 2025-2026 Overall Plan	$408,000
Estimated deficit to be funded from separate charges	$182,771

The estimated deficit for 2025-2026 is proposed to be funded by Council through the continuation of the Rural Fire Resources Levy Separate Charge at $3 per annum levied on all rateable land within the local government area.

To remove any doubt, under this Overall Plan, any special charges levied will be disbursed to the Rural Fire Brigades before any separate charges levied. On the basis that the estimated disbursements will exceed the estimated special charges, no surplus funds from special charges are estimated.

Legal IMPLICATIONS

This report and its recommendations are consistent with the following legislative provisions:

Local Government Act 2009

Local Government Regulation 2012

Fire and Emergency Services Act 1990

policy implications

There are no policy matters relevant to this report.

RISK MANAGEMENT IMPLICATIONS

The rateable land located within the benefited area continues to benefit from the services, facilities and activities provided by the Ipswich area Rural Fire Brigades. The continuation of the special charge in the 2025-2026 financial year is considered appropriate.

The growth in rateable land within the benefited area needs to be monitored on a regular basis and Council liaise with QFD regarding future revisions to the boundaries of the Rosewood Levy District and Ipswich Levy District, noting that these boundaries were last reviewed by QFD in 2019.

The continuation of any separate charge, levied on all rateable land within the local government area, will be subject to an annual review by Council. Any separate charge levied on all rateable land within the local government area for the purposes of providing funding for the services, activities and facilities under this Overall Plan, it is not subject to this Overall Plan.

Financial/RESOURCE IMPLICATIONS

Disbursements under this Overall Plan are estimated to be $408,000. The Rural Fire Resources Levy Special Charge does not fully fund the estimated disbursements to the Ipswich area Rural Fire Brigades for their services, activities and facilities and is intended to be supplemented with funds raised by the Rural Fire Resources Levy Separate Charge.

Any surplus funds from the Rural Fire Resources Levy Separate Charge, will be carried forward and applied as an available funding source for similar services, facilities or activities provided the Rural Fire Brigades, in future budget period.

The Rural Fire Resources Levy Special Charge and the Rural Fire Resources Levy Separate Charge are included with Council’s proposed budget for 2025‑2026.

COMMUNITY and OTHER CONSULTATION

The financial needs of the Ipswich area Rural Fire Brigades have been communicated to Council for consideration. The continuation of the special charge is consistent with previous years.

While no specific consultation has occurred in relation to the special charge, Council has a broad understanding of community expectations in providing support for the local area Rural Fire Brigades. Consultation with the property owners within the benefited area, the Ipswich area Rural Fire Brigades as well as all other landowners in the local government area, remains an ongoing opportunity for Council to understand community expectations in regard to the services, facilities and activities provided by the Ipswich area Rural Fire Brigades and funded, in part, by this special charge.

Conclusion

The rateable land within the benefited area, being rateable land outside the Urban Fire Boundaries, continue to specially benefit from the services, facilities and activities funded by the Rural Fire Resources Levy Special Charge. As such, continuation of the special charge is appropriate.

HUMAN RIGHTS IMPLICATIONS

HUMAN RIGHTS IMPACTS
OTHER DECISION
	A11675936
(a) What is the Act/Decision being made?	The Recommendation proposes adoption of an Overall Plan for the Rural Fire Resources Levy Special Charge for 2025-2026.
(b) What human rights are affected?	No human rights are affected by this decision. The charges are reflective of costs and applied in an objective manner to the properties which benefit from the services provided.
(c) How are the human rights limited?	Not applicable
(d) Is there a good reason for limiting the relevant rights? Is the limitation fair and reasonable?	Not applicable
(e) Conclusion	The decision is consistent with human rights.

Attachments and Confidential Background Papers

1.	QFES District Boundaries ⇩

Paul Mollenhauer

Treasury Accounting Manager

I concur with the recommendations contained in this report.

Christina Binoya

Chief Financial Officer

I concur with the recommendations contained in this report.

Matt Smith

General Manager (Corporate Services)

“Together, we proudly enhance the quality of life for our community”

Council

Special Meeting Agenda

1 July

2025

Doc ID No: A11537197

ITEM: 6.5

SUBJECT: Rates Timetable for 2025-2026

AUTHOR: Treasury Accounting Manager

DATE: 9 June 2025

Executive Summary

This is a report concerning the issuance date, as well as the discount and due date, for payment for the quarterly rates for the 2025-2026 year.

Recommendation/s

That in accordance with section 118 of the Local Government Regulation 2012, Ipswich City Council decide the dates by which rates and charges for 2025-2026 must be paid, as detailed in Table 1:

Table 1

Period	Due Date for Payment
July to September 2025	Thursday 21 August 2025
October to December 2025	Thursday 20 November 2025
January to March 2026	Thursday 19 February 2026
April to June 2026	Thursday 21 May 2026

RELATED PARTIES

There are no related party matters associated with this report.

ifuture Theme

A Trusted and Leading Organisation

Purpose of Report/Background

Council adopts a timetable for the issue of rate notices as well as the discount and due date for payment for each quarter of the financial year. Where practical, a 13 week cycle between due dates in successive quarters is maintained.

Due to the time required to update the system with the new parameters, the rates generation and consequently the issue date, for the July to September 2025 has been extended a week. Consequently, the period between the last issue date and July to September 2025 will be 14 weeks.

Each quarterly rates notice needs to be issued at least 30 days before the due date.

The following is the proposed timetable for the 2025-2026 financial year. The proposed timetable takes into account sufficient time to print and issue rate notices as well as standard postage service times.

Period	Issue Date	Discount and Due Date for payment	Period for last Due Date
July to September 2025	Friday 18 July 2025	Thursday 21 August 2025	14 Weeks
October to December 2025	Friday 17 October 2025	Thursday 20 November 2025	13 Weeks
January to March 2026	Friday 16 January 2026	Thursday 19 February 2026	13 Weeks
April to June 2026	Friday 17 April 2026	Thursday 21 May 2026	13 Weeks

The issue date of the next quarter’s rates notice is displayed on each rates notice.

Legal IMPLICATIONS

This report and its recommendations are consistent with the following legislative provisions:

Local Government Regulation 2012

policy implications

There are no policy implications related to this report.

RISK MANAGEMENT IMPLICATIONS

There are no significant risk management implications associated with this report.

Financial/RESOURCE IMPLICATIONS

As this report relates only to the timing of rates notices rather than the setting of rates charges, there are no specific financial or resource implications of not associated with this report. Councils’ proposed 2025-2026 budget and financial modelling takes into account the proposed quarterly rating schedule.

COMMUNITY and OTHER CONSULTATION

No community consultation has been undertaken in relation to this report. No material changes have been proposed to current rating practise.

Conclusion

The proposed issue date, discount and due date for payment for the quarterly rates notices continue to be timed around a 13-week cycle, where possible.

HUMAN RIGHTS IMPLICATIONS

HUMAN RIGHTS IMPACTS
OTHER DECISION
	A11704892
(a) What is the Act/Decision being made?	The Recommendation requests that Council decide the dates by which rates and charges for the 2025-2026 must be paid.
(b) What human rights are affected?	No human rights are affected, as this decision relates only to the timing of the issuance and payment of rates notices, and the timing is applicable to all ratepayers equally.
(c) How are the human rights limited?	Not Applicable
(d) Is there a good reason for limiting the relevant rights? Is the limitation fair and reasonable?	Not Applicable
(e) Conclusion	The decision is consistent with human rights.

Paul Mollenhauer

Treasury Accounting Manager

I concur with the recommendations contained in this report.

Christina Binoya

Chief Financial Officer

I concur with the recommendations contained in this report.

Matt Smith

General Manager (Corporate Services)

“Together, we proudly enhance the quality of life for our community”

Council

Special Meeting Agenda

1 July

2025

Doc ID No: A11546756

ITEM: 6.6

SUBJECT: Rates Concessions - Charitable, Non Profit/Sporting Organisations

AUTHOR: Treasury Accounting Manager

DATE: 9 June 2025

Executive Summary

This is a report concerning the annual review and approval of rates concessions to eligible Charitable and Non-Profit/Sporting Organisations in accordance with Ipswich City Council’s (Council) Rates Concession Policy.

Recommendation/s

That having satisfied the criteria in s120 of the Local Government Regulation 2012, as well as the Rates Concession Policy, the properties as detailed in Attachment 1 be granted a 100% concession of the differential general rates for the 2025-2026 financial year.

RELATED PARTIES

Mayor and Councillors should consider those entities listed in the attachments to this report. No potential conflicts of interest have been identified prior to the submission of this report.

ifuture Theme

A Trusted and Leading Organisation

Purpose of Report/Background

The Local Government Act 2009 and Local Government Regulation 2012 describes the circumstances where Council may approve a concession for rates and charges levied for a particular class of properties or to owners of specific properties.

The remission of rates for pensioners is an example of a concession available to a class of property owners. The remission of rates for pensioners is not detailed in this report.

Council has adopted a Rates Concession Policy which outlines the criteria used to determine eligibility of organisations and properties for a concession. Currently there are 140 properties that have been previously approved for a concession of 100% of the differential general rates levied. These properties are described in Attachments 1. For convenience a copy of the Rates Concession Policy is included at Attachment 2.

In accordance with the policy, a review of properties and organisations receiving a concession is undertaken annually. This involves a review of the land use of the subject property, the ownership of the land and the operations of the organisation concerned. This review has been undertaken and no changes to the eligibility for a concession under the policy, have been identified for the properties listed in Attachments 1.

Council exempts properties from being assessable from Council rates in accordance with section 93(3) of the Local Government Act 2009 and section 73 of the Local Government Regulation 2012. Land that is exempt from rates is considered and determined in accordance with the relevant legislation. This report does not consider exemption from rates.

Legal IMPLICATIONS

This report and its recommendations are consistent with the following legislative provisions:

Local Government Act 2009

Local Government Regulation 2012

policy implications

This report is consistent with the annual review as part of the Rates Concession Policy

RISK MANAGEMENT IMPLICATIONS

There are no risk management implications associated with this report.

Financial/RESOURCE IMPLICATIONS

The annual equivalent of general rates concessions in 2024-2025 was approximately $880,000. The value of concessions for 2025-2026 will be determined at the time of each quarterly rates generation and is anticipated to be an annual equivalent of approximately $924,000, subject to any future application by eligible property owners and the subsequent approval of Council.

COMMUNITY and OTHER CONSULTATION

The contents of this report did not require any community consultation. The proposed concessions are granted consistent with adopted policy.

Conclusion

Council has adopted a Rates Concession Policy for approving of concessions to qualifying organisations and properties. Currently there are 140 properties that have been previously approved for a concession of 100% of the differential general rates levied. Following a review of the legislative and policy criteria, those properties continue to be eligible for a concession in 2025-2026.

HUMAN RIGHTS IMPLICATIONS

HUMAN RIGHTS IMPACTS
OTHER DECISION
	A11704889
(a) What is the Act/Decision being made?	The recommendation requests the approval of rates concessions to eligible Charitable and Non-Profit/Sporting Organisations in accordance with Ipswich City Council’s (Council) Rates Concession Policy
(b) What human rights are affected?	No human rights are affected. The concessions detailed in this report are not provided to individuals. This decision seeks to provide financial relief from the payment of differential general rates to eligible ratepaying organisations which are expected to provide a charitable or other benefit to the local community through the use of that rateable property. Eligibility is based on the attributes of the ratepayer, and as such is not arbitrary.
(c) How are the human rights limited?	Not applicable
(d) Is there a good reason for limiting the relevant rights? Is the limitation fair and reasonable?	Not applicable
(e) Conclusion	The decision is consistent with human rights.

Attachments and Confidential Background Papers

1.	List of eligible organisations for concession ⇩
2.	Rates Concession Policy ⇩

Paul Mollenhauer

Treasury Accounting Manager

I concur with the recommendations contained in this report.

Christina Binoya

Chief Financial Officer

I concur with the recommendations contained in this report.

Matt Smith

General Manager (Corporate Services)

“Together, we proudly enhance the quality of life for our community”

Council

Special Meeting Agenda

1 July

2025

Doc ID No: A11644527

ITEM: 6.7

SUBJECT: Strategic Contracting - Adoption of Annual Contracting Plan

AUTHOR: Manager, Procurement

DATE: 30 May 2025

Executive Summary

This is a report concerning the adoption of ‘Strategic Contracting Procedures’ (SCP) from
1 July 2025 for Council contracts, as per the requirements of Chapter 6, Part 2 of the Local Government Regulation 2012.

Recommendation/s

That pursuant to section 220(2) of the Local Government Regulation 2012, Council adopt the Annual Contracting Plan (ACP) (as contained as Attachment 1 to this Report) for the 2025-2026 Financial Year.

RELATED PARTIES

There are no declarations of conflicts of interest.

All Council Suppliers

All Council Employees

ifuture Theme

A Trusted and Leading Organisation

Purpose of Report/Background

On 30 April 2025 Council resolved to apply Chapter 6, Part 2 ‘Strategic Contracting Procedures’ (SCP) of the Local Government Regulation 2012 (the Regulation) to its contracts from 1 July 2025.

On 19 June 2025 Council resolved to adopt the Procurement Policy and the Procurement and Contracts Manual which aligns with Council’s Strategic Contracting Procedures governance framework and sets out Council’s procedures for carrying out all contracts from 1 July 2025.

Pursuant with the adoption of the Strategic Contracting Procedures, the Council is required to adopt the ACP for the 2025-2026 Financial year, after the adoption of the annual budget for the Financial Year.

The ACP was submitted for noting in report titled ‘Strategic Contracting - Adoption of Annual Contracting Plan’ presented to the Finance and Governance Committee meeting on 10 June. The 2025-2026 ACP is now presented for adoption by Council, as contained in Attachment 1 to this report.

Legal IMPLICATIONS

This report and its recommendations are consistent with the following legislative provisions:

Local Government Act 2009

Local Government Regulation 2012

policy implications

This decision is consistent with the Procurement Policy and the Procurement and Contracts Manual which were adopted by Council on 19 June 2025.

RISK MANAGEMENT IMPLICATIONS

The SCP is an approach that identifies potential opportunities, while managing adverse risks as per section 217(2) of the Regulation.

Financial/RESOURCE IMPLICATIONS

The delivery of the SCP is consistent with the existing budget. The costs and benefits of applying the Strategic Contracting Procedures were reported to Council on 18 February 2025. The strategic approach would cost no more, and likely less than the costs associated with maintaining the existing framework under the Default Contracting Procedures.

COMMUNITY and OTHER CONSULTATION

Consultation has occurred with the Executive Leadership Team, Procurement Branch, Legal and Governance and selected stakeholders within Council.

Conclusion

The shift to SCP under Part 2, Chapter 6 of the Regulation marks a significant milestone for Council in strengthening its procurement capabilities and improving operational efficiency. The Procurement Policy and the Procurement and Contracts Manual were adopted by Council on 19 June 2025. The adoption of the ACP marks the final step in the shift from default contracting procedures to Strategic Contracting Procedures for Council.

HUMAN RIGHTS IMPLICATIONS

HUMAN RIGHTS IMPACTS
OTHER DECISION

(a) What is the Act/Decision being made?	Council resolves to adopt the Annual Contracting Plan (as contained as Attachment 1 to this Report) for the 2025-2026 Financial Year.
(b) What human rights are affected?	No Human rights are affected by this decision
(c) How are the human rights limited?	Not applicable
(d) Is there a good reason for limiting the relevant rights? Is the limitation fair and reasonable?	Not applicable
(e) Conclusion	The decision is consistent with human rights.

Attachments and Confidential Background Papers

1.	Annual Contracting Plan (FY25-26) ⇩

Tanya Houwen

Manager, Procurement

I concur with the recommendations contained in this report.

Matt Smith

General Manager (Corporate Services)

“Together, we proudly enhance the quality of life for our community”

Council

Special Meeting Agenda

1 July

2025

Doc ID No: A11674389

ITEM: 6.8

SUBJECT: Minor amendments to Fees and Charges - Planning and Development

AUTHOR: Treasury Accounting Manager

DATE: 9 June 2025

Executive Summary

This is a report concerning the adoption of minor amendments to the fees and charges for planning services to apply from 1 July 2025.

Recommendation/s

That the proposed amendments to Fees and Charges for planning services, as outlined in Attachment 1, be adopted with an effective date of 1 July 2025.

RELATED PARTIES

This report deals with the adoption of the pricing of fees and charges and does not specifically reference any third party.

ifuture Theme

A Trusted and Leading Organisation

Purpose of Report/Background

Section 98 of the Local Government Act 2009 (LGA) requires Council to maintain a publicly available register of cost recovery fees.

As part of the annual budget adoption process, Council undertakes a review of all fees and charges prior to the commencement of a new financial year. Fees for the 2025-2026 financial year were subject to approval at the meetings of 27 March 2025 (for health and regulatory services fees), and 29 May 2025 for all other fees.

A small number of further amendments to the register are proposed to provide greater clarity as to the application of service fees. The proposed amendments, as outlined in Attachment 1, include:

a) Increasing the scope of fees for minor amendments to building certifications to include class 2 and 4 dwellings, consistent with the categorisations for major amendments, and

b) In the Engineering and Environment Fees section, specifying that Infrastructure Credits are applicable to Infrastructure Agreements, and Infrastructure Offsets Assessments relate to Priority Development Areas (PDA).

No changes are proposed to the value of the approved fees.

Legal IMPLICATIONS

This report and its recommendations are consistent with the following legislative provisions:

Local Government Act 2009 s97 and 98

policy implications

The proposed amendments are consistent with Council’s planning scheme and policies.

Fees and charges are established in accordance with Councils Revenue Policy.

RISK MANAGEMENT IMPLICATIONS

The intent of the proposed clarifications to the register of fees and charges is to mitigate any potential risk of the planning fees being incorrectly applied.

Financial/RESOURCE IMPLICATIONS

The proposed amendments are for clarification purposes only, and will not result in any direct financial implications for Council or external stakeholders.

COMMUNITY and OTHER CONSULTATION

This proposal was initiated by, and developed in consultation with the Planning and Regulatory Services department.

Due to the administrative nature of the proposed amendments, consultation with external parties was not warranted.

Conclusion

It is recommended that Council approve the proposed variations and additions to the Register of Fees and Charges.

HUMAN RIGHTS IMPLICATIONS

HUMAN RIGHTS IMPACTS
OTHER DECISION
	A11675936
(a) What is the Act/Decision being made?	The Recommendation seeks Council approval for proposed minor amendments to Fees and Charges for planning services.
(b) What human rights are affected?	This decision has the potential to impact human rights in relation to recognition and equality before the law.
(c) How are the human rights limited?	The amendments to the application of planning fees may impact some customers requiring these services as part of planning and development activities.
(d) Is there a good reason for limiting the relevant rights? Is the limitation fair and reasonable?	The fees and charges the proposed amendments apply to do not apply to core Council services or public goods, but rather to services which are optional to take up and benefit an individual.Where charges are applied, this is enabled by, and governed by legislative provisions. For services which can be provided by a Local Government only, Council is required to charge not more than cost recovery.
(e) Conclusion	The decision is consistent with human rights.

Attachments and Confidential Background Papers

1	Proposed Planning Fee Amendments ⇩

Paul Mollenhauer

Treasury Accounting Manager

I concur with the recommendations contained in this report.

Christina Binoya

Chief Financial Officer

I concur with the recommendations contained in this report.

Matt Smith

General Manager (Corporate Services)

“Together, we proudly enhance the quality of life for our community”