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7NEWS
18-06-2025
- Business
- 7NEWS
Brisbane's 2025–26 budget revealed: rate hikes, service fee rises and major infrastructure plans
Brisbane ratepayers will pay more in the coming financial year, but Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner insists it remains the cheapest council in southeast Queensland. 'We are the cheapest. We are staying the cheapest. We are committed to staying the cheapest,' he said. 'If you're living in Logan, Redlands, Ipswich, Moreton Bay — you're already paying hundreds more than what people in Brisbane are paying.' The latest rate hikes come with a citywide green bin rollout and millions in Story Bridge repairs. The average rates bill will rise by around $100, with an additional $49 waste charge for households without a green bin. Of that, $33 is blamed on the state government's landfill levy — what Schrinner calls 'a straight tax grab.' 'We're trying to avoid the state government's waste levy, which is their bin tax,' he said. 'Effectively, that has pushed up the bin charge by $33 alone this year.' Standalone homes will automatically receive a green waste bin unless they opt out. They will be rolled out from August through to December. Schrinner says it will reduce landfill, boost recycling, and ultimately save residents money long-term. Footpath fix and federal funding fight The Council will also spend $18 million on the ageing Story Bridge, including $6.9 million to replace the closed footpath, which is due to reopen by the end of the year. Schrinner is calling on the federal and state governments to contribute, citing a recent $628 million federal investment in a bridge in Hobart. 'All we're asking for is a similar deal to what people in Tasmania would get,' he said. 'It was 80 per cent funded by the federal government and 20 per cent funded by the Tasmanian Government.' 'This is not a local road. 'It is used by 42 per cent of people from outside of Brisbane every day, which means people from Logan, Redlands, Ipswich, Moreton Bay are using the Story Bridge each and every day. 'This is an asset that serves a national transport purpose.' Work is already underway to replace the closed Story Bridge footpath with the manufacturing of new decking expected to take up to 17 weeks, Schrinner revealed. Installation will then begin, with much of the work done overnight to minimise disruption to commuters and traffic. 'Money is not the issue for the footpath here,' Schrinner said. 'We've allocated all of the money that is required to do this job… we're going to be working as fast as we can.' Schrinner confirmed at least one footpath will be reopened by the end of the year, Inner-city units, fees and fairness Inner-city unit owners will also feel the change, with a rates increase aimed at closing the gap between apartments and suburban homes. 'Ninety per cent of all units across Brisbane are only paying the minimum rate — about $228 a quarter,' Schrinner said. From October 1 people who buy units will pay up to $100 per year more. 'This tries to rectify that gap to make sure that everyone's paying their fair share.' The average rates bill across the city will rise by 3.87 per cent, though the exact increase for unit owners will depend on individual property values and location. Fees for services including pet registration and home improvements will also rise by about 4 per cent, adding further pressure to family budgets. But Schrinner insists the increases are modest compared to neighbouring councils. 'We've worked hard to keep the costs down.' Despite a challenging economic environment, Schrinner promised the Council will reduce debt by more than 20 per cent over four years — from $3.6 billion to $2.9 billion — while still investing in core services. 'Roads, rates, rubbish — and now rapid transit,' he said. 'This is a responsible budget. We're spending what we can afford, and not putting unnecessary costs on Brisbane households.'
Sharjah 24
03-06-2025
- Business
- Sharjah 24
SEC approves unified guide for commercial signage in Sharjah
At the outset, the Council extended heartfelt congratulations to President, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, and to all the Rulers, citizens, residents, and Muslims on the occasion of the approaching Eid Al-Adha. New jobs and training support for citizens The Council praised the Ruler of Sharjah's recent approval of 400 new jobs for Emirati men and women in government departments across the emirate. It also commended the allocation of AED 55.8 million to the Sharjah Programme for Training and Qualifying Jobseekers — a move that underscores the Ruler's commitment to supporting citizens, boosting employment, and enhancing quality of life and professional development. Al Hamriyah Port fire response applauded The Council expressed its deep appreciation for the swift and professional response by national teams to the recent fire at Hamriyah Port. It noted the high level of readiness, coordination, and effective crisis management, particularly by Sharjah Police, the Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Interior, National Guard, Civil Defence, emergency and crisis management bodies, and other local and federal authorities. Their efforts successfully prevented any loss of life. Unified signage guide approved A new unified guide for advertising and commercial signage was approved to harmonise business branding with the emirate's visual identity and aesthetic appeal. The guide provides design principles, permit processes, and regulatory standards for signage, aiming to create an attractive and well-organised urban environment. It covers categories such as shop signs, directional signage, and promotional boards, along with placement criteria and supervision protocols. Sharjah reinforces family and social values The Council reviewed several ongoing social initiatives aimed at strengthening Emirati families, nurturing intergenerational bonds, and upholding national, cultural, and religious identity. These efforts are part of Sharjah's broader social vision to preserve community values while supporting growth and cohesion within local households.
The Irish Sun
08-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Irish Sun
New traffic lights to be installed across Dublin city to target phone obsessed pedestrians
NEW traffic lights to target phone obsessed pedestrians are to be installed across the capital city as part of a new safety measure. Advertisement The new traffic lights, which are red in colour, are on the ground instead of an a pole. They aim to catch the attention of people who are looking down at their The light system has already been installed in other And having been deemed successful abroad, they are opening on a trial basis in Dublin city. Advertisement Read more in Irish news But the lights have been dubbed "zombie lights" by some, as they take away the need to look up from your phone to the goings on around you. A spokesperson for the council told The Council is hoping to roll out the measure in traffic heavy parts of the city. But they added that it's too early to determine whether or not this will be the case. Advertisement Most read in Irish News DRIVING TIPS Meanwhile, an Irish driving Taking to One example he gave of when you should be doing this is if you are far back in a line of traffic at a traffic light. Advertisement If there's a long gap between you and the car in front of you, you should be pulling up the handbrake. He also said that learner drivers should use the handbrake when parked on any kind of hill. And lastly, he explained that you should always use the handbrake when the instructor has asked you to pull over and stop. He said: "When you do pull over and stop, what they want to see is you're putting the car into neutral and you're using the handbrake. Advertisement "And when they ask you to pull off again this is where you use your GOSHO technique - which is gear, observation, signal, handbrake and observation. "This is the correct way to pull off from a stationary position." 1 Tara Street in Dublin is the first place to see the new lights Credit: Not known, clear with picture desk
