From free domestic mattress disposal to daytime training for junior sports, a number of Bundaberg Regional Council fees and charges will be cut come 1 July.
The fees and charges are adopted annually and generally increase by CPI however this year efficiencies have seen a number of fees reduced which will benefit residents, not-for-profit groups and young athletes.
Bundaberg Regional Council Finance portfolio spokesperson Cr Deb Keslake said reductions were possible following an extensive review.
“One of the first items of business for us as a new Council was to undertake an in-depth review of fees and charges,” Cr Keslake said.
“It was a time-consuming process but the result is that departments throughout the organisation have been able to adjust some cost-recovery fees through efficiencies.”
Cr Keslake said the majority of Council’s fees and charges had been adjusted in line with costs however there were a number of areas where Council has been able to reduce or remove fees.
“Something I know will be welcomed by residents is that from 1 July at all local waste facilities there will no longer be an additional fee charged for domestic mattress disposal.
“Domestic mattresses can now be disposed of free of charge or at no extra charge as part of a normal domestic load.
“Fees to hire the Multiplex, Civic Centre and Bargara Cultural Centre have been slashed by 25% to ensure this remains an affordable option for local groups.
“The hire fee for the hall and kitchen at the popular Woodgate Community Hall will not increase this year while a half-day hire option has been added to the Gin Gin Community Hall which offers a more flexible solution for hirers.”
Cr Keslake said junior sports would no longer need to pay a fee to train at the Childers Showground during daylight hours and she said they weren’t the only winners.
“Not-for-profit hirers of parks will not have to pay a fee.
“It will also be free for private bookings at local parks with no services if their gathering is for less than 50 people, excluding weddings.”
The newly adopted fees and charges were endorsed in the 28 May Ordinary Meeting.
Terms and conditions apply.
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That’s a great start. However are there any reduction of fees for hiring of recreational precinct including undercover area for not for profit groups?