Brisbane Rates to Increase 3.87% this Financial Year, Equivalent of $1.14 a Week

Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner has announced a 3.87% increase in rates, equivalent to $1.14 a week, making them the lowest in south-east Queensland. The rate rise is above the city's 2.7% annual inflation rate, but Schrinner has committed to not introducing levies for damage caused by Cyclone Alfred, infrastructure, or transport costs.

Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner announced a 3.87% increase in rates, effective from July 1, 2025. This increase, equivalent to $1.14 per week, positions Brisbane as having the lowest rates in south-east Queensland. The rate rise exceeds the city's 2.7% annual inflation rate but does not include levies for damage caused by Cyclone Alfred, infrastructure, or transport costs [1].

The announcement comes amidst a backdrop of significant changes in energy prices across Australia. Chris Bowen, the energy minister, is set to announce a review of the default market offer (DMO) to address rising power bills. The DMO, which sets a benchmark price for residential and small business electricity bills, has not been effective in preventing price gouging, according to Bowen. The review aims to introduce reforms that could reduce electricity bills and better utilize rooftop solar and batteries [2].

The potential changes to the DMO mechanism could include removing the competition allowance and putting further restraints on what retailers can claim back from customers. This move is expected to benefit the majority of billpayers, who could secure better deals. Additionally, the government has announced a $2.3bn plan to subsidize small household batteries for solar power, reducing the cost by 30% for those with existing solar systems or looking to buy one [2].

Comparatively, Brisbane's rate increase is relatively modest compared to the expected rises in electricity bills. While Brisbane residents will face a 3.87% increase, other regions in south-east Queensland could see increases ranging from 0.5% to 3.7%. This variation underscores the need for a more robust regulatory framework to ensure fair and competitive pricing across different regions [2].

In conclusion, Brisbane's rate increase, while higher than the inflation rate, is positioned to remain one of the lowest in south-east Queensland. The city's commitment to avoiding levies for specific costs further highlights its focus on maintaining affordability for residents. The upcoming review of the DMO and the battery subsidy scheme could provide additional relief to consumers, potentially offsetting the impact of the rate increase.

References:
[1] https://www.facebook.com/MoretonDaily/posts/city-of-moreton-bay-council-has-today-adopted-a-1-billion-budget-for-202526-main/1124744203010271/
[2] https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/jun/18/australia-power-bills-price-gouging-default-market-offer-review-chris-bowen