2020-21 Budget Release

You can also watch this video on Council's website

You know all those family walks and bike rides you did during isolation – don’t stop now!

On 17 June, Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner presented the 2020-21 Budget in one of the most challenging economic environments faced in a generation.

Despite these challenges, this is a Budget that builds to help Brisbane rebuild and backs Brisbane residents with targeted support for those who need it most.

➡ Rates frozen for the remainder of 2020
➡ $250 JobSeeker rates rebate
➡ Business fee relief
➡ Direct assistance for community clubs
➡ Fast-tracked upgrades in the suburbs
➡ Seven new double-decker CityCats
➡ $9 million for suburban shopping precincts
➡ Progressing Brisbane Metro
➡ New and upgraded ferry terminals
➡ Kangaroo Point and Breakfast Creek green bridges fast-tracked
➡ 112 suburban park and dog park upgrades
➡ Up to 40% rates rebate for pensioners
➡ Free off-peak travel for seniors

Read the full 2020-21 Budget here.

Second Runway for Brisbane Aiport

It was wonderful to have a tour of the new runway from Brisbane Airport Corporation with State member for Clayfield Tim Nicholls and Federal Member for Lilley Anika Wells. Was highly informative and very exciting to see how close we are to having planes land on the Brisbane Airport's second runway.

Rates Relief for Brisbane Residents

Council has implemented a rates freeze for six months from 1 July 2020 until 31 December 2020 to assist in the economic recovery of the city following the coronavirus pandemic.

Council has introduced a partial rebate in response to the COVID-19 pandemic that freezes the rates payable for each property to the amount of rates and charges calculated and payable as at the fourth rating quarter of the 2019-20 financial year. This rebate is effective from 1 July 2020 until 31 December 2020, and will result in a six-month rates freeze for all Brisbane rateable properties, where the ownership and use of the property remains the same.

An expansion of the First Home Owner’s rebate will also commence on 1 October 2020 with a 100% rebate to a maximum of $2,000 on rates for the first twelve months for first home buyers building a new home or buying off the plan. This expansion of the First Home Owner Rebate supports the residential construction industry.

New Life for Old Tyres

If you cannot view this video please click here.

Brisbane’s innovative asphalt trial to give used tyres new tread

Old tyres destined for landfill will get a new lease on life, as Brisbane City Council trials a bitumen blend of recycled rubber and asphalt to create smoother, safer roads for residents. Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said more than 20 million tyres are dumped in landfill each year and Council’s new innovative rubber bitumen is helping change the way waste can be repurposed for good. This ground-breaking trial will see up to 10,000 tyres a year recycled into a new road surface material and this will not only reduce landfill but also create cost-effective roads that last longer.

As part of the trial, Council are working with local companies to ‘crumb’ used tyre rubber and blend it into bitumen. It’s then sent to Council's Eagle Farm asphalt plant, where it is mixed with a blend of bitumen sand, gravel and other materials to form asphalt used to resurface roads. This new rubber mix can slow the oxidisation of the bitumen, which means roads last for a further five to 10 years. A typical road lasts between 20 and 30 years, so if we can make them last as long as 25 to 35 years, it will save potentially tens-of-millions of dollars in road surfacing expenditure. The recycled tyre surface treatment is expected to be trialled on Brisbane roads by the end of the year.

Re-opened Council Facilities

Council pools that have re-opened from COVID-19 closure

The Valley Pool reopened on June 3, and Langlands Pool reopened on 10 June, after all 22 Council pools closed on 23 March 2020 as per the State Government Covid19 directives. The 7 pools listed above reopened on 13 June, after State Government approval of an industry COVID Safe Plan.

A further 9 remain closed for winter and maintenance, and a further 5 are considering their winter programs, to align with the State Government’s roadmap to easing restrictions, currently planned for 13th July.

I encourage you to contact your local pool’s operating team for details on any site-specific operating conditions. Read more.

Council's Tip-Shop's and composting facilities have also re-opened after closure due to COVID-19. Further information can be found on Council's website here.

Log a pothole

Notice a pothole that needs filling?
While out on your essential driving trips, if you notice a pothole that needs filling, please call Council's 24/7 call centre on 3403 8888 or log a report through Council's website here.

KSD Upgrade

Have questions about the Kingsford Smith Drive upgrade?
Council has a dedicated team assisting to deliver one of the biggest projects in Council. If ever you have any questions or would like information specific to the KSD Upgrade you can contact the KSD team by emailing info@ksdupgrade.com.au, visiting their webpage or by phoning them on 1800 084 383.

Have a problem to report?

BCC Call Centre

Hours: 24 hours a day
7 days a week
Phone: 07 3403 8888

This is the best contact method for issues such as potholes, rubbish bin problems, tree maintenance, trip hazards, dangerous dogs, lost property, stormwater drainage problems and public safety concerns.

Need to contact my office?

Hamilton Ward Office

Hours: 9am - 12:30pm, 1:30 - 4:30pm
Monday to Friday*
Phone: (07) 3403 1095
Email:
hamilton.ward@bcc.qld.gov.au
Address: 42 Racecourse Road, Hamilton QLD 4007
*Excludes public holidays

Council's Mobile Service

SMS/MMS Service

Number: 0429 2 FIX IT
(0429 234 948)

Use your mobile device to report a problem in your neighbourhood. Take a photo and send details of the problem, including the location and your name to: 0429 2 FIX IT.
Council aims to acknowledge your message within two working days and provide a reference number.

Do you run a business?

BCC Business Hotline

Hours: 24 hours a day
7 days a week
Phone: 133 BNE
(133 263)

This is a dedicated hotline to support business in Brisbane. Businesses can access information on a range of Council topics including licensing, development applications, business opportunities and procurement.

Community Corner

Thank you Police Officers

Police from Hendra Station have recently obtained bicycles and have incorporated regular bicycle patrols as a part of their dedication to new and efficient approaches to preventing, disrupting and investigating crime.

Officers involved in these patrols have undergone a specific skills training course for these deployments.

Bicycle patrols are a tried and true policing technique that allows police to better access and observe public spaces.

For more information have a look at myPolice Brisbane North's article here.

Crosby Road Bushcare

Hopefully, you've noticed the improvement to the site following the Crosby Road Bushcare - Brisbane Habitat Group's May Bushcare day - moving mulch and weeding. They are almost ready to commission the mural on the water pipe too.

Ascot Aquatics Centre

Ascot Aquatics Centre is happy to announce that they have a new opening date - July 2020!

They are excited to see people in the pool and enjoy the activities that Ascot Aquatics Centre has to offer at 274 Lancaster Rd, Ascot. Stay tuned for more details on their Facebook page and they encourage you to contact them if you have any questions or queries on 1300 911 293 or hello@ascotaquatics.com.au or you can visit their website at ascotaqautics.com.au.