Local Government Minister David Crisafulli says the Federal Government’s new carbon tax is backing Queensland councils into a corner as they struggle to absorb higher operating costs.
Speaking at the Local Government Association of Queensland’s Civic Leaders forum on the Sunshine Coast, Mr Crisafulli said the tax would be felt by all ratepayers.
“Everyone knows this tax is nothing more than a token gesture by Labor to appeal to the Greens and hang on to power,” Mr Crisafulli said.
“At a time when the cost of fuel and electricity is going through the roof, the last thing councils need is another tax on doing business.
“The Prime Minister says households will be compensated but what about councils? When their costs go up they simply have to pass them onto ratepayers.
“The worst thing about the carbon tax is local councils can do nothing to avoid it, they still have to drive the sam e distance to pick up the bins and operate landfills in the same way they have for generations.”
The LGAQ estimates the average costs of the carbon tax to Queensland councils would be between 1.5 per cent and 3 per cent, money that would need to be found in this year’s budget.
LGAQ President Cr Paul Bell said the State’s 12 largest councils would shoulder most of the cost.
“Those 12 councils make up 85 per cent of Queensland’s population. They have big budgets and even bigger responsibilities and this tax will make it very hard for them to keep delivering the same level of service,” Cr Bell said.
Brisbane City Council has set aside $15.8 million to pay the tax this financial year, while Townsville City Council estimates it will spend around five million.
The Sunshine Coast Regional Council estimates it will cost around $1.7 million this financial year for waste disposal alone.
