Council updates community support policies

Fraser Coast Regional Council has updated a range of policies that provide financial support and concessions to residents, pensioners, community groups, and businesses.

Mayor George Seymour said Council would support the community through grants and concessions valued at about $8.5 million in 2025/26.

“The updates to our policies help ensure Council’s grants and concessions remain fair, transparent and easy to access,” he said.

“Whether it’s a pensioner on a fixed income, a community group making a difference, or a business owner restoring a historic building, these policies are here to help.

“It’s about ensuring support reaches those who need it most.”

The updated policies adopted at today’s Council meeting (Monday 30 June) include:

• Financial Hardship Policy - support for ratepayers facing genuine financial difficulty, including deferred payments and interest relief.
• Pensioner Concession Policy - continues to provide up to $200 per year in rate relief for eligible pensioners.
• Water Charge Relief Policy - rebates for excess water use due to hidden leaks or ongoing medical needs, now also covering leaks caused by Council maintenance or construction.
• Conservation Area Rates Concession Policy - rate relief for landowners managing and protecting environmentally significant land.
• Waste Management Fee Concession Policy - waives landfill disposal fees for community groups that organise clean-ups of public spaces, with an easier process for groups to qualify.
• Community Grants Policy - outlines how Council provides grants, donations, and sponsorships to support local projects, events and initiatives, with updates to ensure fair and consistent distribution of funding.
• Community Groups Concession Policy - ongoing support for not-for-profit organisations delivering cultural, sporting or welfare services, with concessions of up to 100 per cent on general rates and certain utility charges.
• Principal Place of Residence Policy - ensures homeowners receive the correct rates and charges for their main residence, not investment or rental properties.
• Refurbishment Concession Policy - relief on rates and utility charges for commercial property owners upgrading heritage or significant buildings that need to close during refurbishment works.

“These updates reflect Council’s commitment to creating connected communities through our places, spaces and people,” Cr Seymour said.

The updated versions of the policies will soon be available on Council’s website at https://www.frasercoast.qld.gov.au/policies, while more information about Council grants programs is available at https://www.frasercoast.qld.gov.au/grants