General News
2 March, 2024
Ways to ease fiscal pain
TWO Cairns election teams have unveiled their cost-of-living policies, ranging from tiered water rates and discounted swimming to red tape reductions and more free community events.
The Unity team’s pledges include red tape reduction, hardship arrangements, more free events, and allowing more secondary housing options with existing homes.
Team Eden proposals include tiered water rates, $2 summer swims for Cairns residents, rates relief up to $1000 for first homebuyers in their first year, free year-round green waste disposal and waiving of council fees for rebuilding projects following declared natural disasters.
“This Unity-led council was quick to establish hardship arrangements for flood impacted residents, providing support through delayed payment, payment plans and other measures to support,” said team leader and Mayor Terry James.
“We continue to recommend that people experiencing hard times get in contact with council to discuss your options,” he said.
Cr James said a Unity-led council would reduce the cost of doing business in the city through red tape reduction across all functions of council, in turn reducing costs to residents.
“A pillar of the Cairns community and the suburbs are not-for-profit associations and community organisations that run activities and events throughout the city. A Unity-led Council will back these volunteer organisations through improving processes for the hire of council venues and facilities,” he said.
Division 2 candidate Niki Giumelli said increasing the number of free events in the suburbs “provides the opportunities for families to come together and meet, provides options for entertainment for children and builds vibrancy in our suburbs.”
Team Eden leader Cr Amy Eden said under their tiered water system individuals and households who conserved water would receive lower pricing, “rewarding their commitment to sustainability”.
“Conversely, those who consume water excessively will face higher rates, encouraging them to be more mindful of their consumption,” she said.
Tiered water pricing has been successfully used by many regional councils including Townsville, Mackay and Toowoomba.
Cr Eden said a Team Eden-led council would introduce $2 summer swims for Cairns residents at the council’s five community swimming pools.
“Discounted $2 summer swims will make these facilities more accessible to our community, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to cool off, exercise and play in a safe environment.”
Cr Eden said the cost of these initiatives would be covered either through cost savings in other areas within council or would be cost-neutral.
