According to a Council media release received 19 May, keeping license fees at the lowest possible level has been a top priority for Council as the new financial year looms.

Mayor Val Schier said some rises were simply unavoidable but have been kept moderate, with Council and management ever mindful of the current tough economic climate.

She said, “We have been holding extensive workshop reviews of current fees with Councillors and management, and while some rise in fees has become a necessity, we have also seen how apparent it is to keep any rise at the lowest possible levels. The costs for Council to proved services will increase over the next financial year and so we need pass these costs on.”

“However street parking for shoppers in the city will not have a rise as Council wants to encourage people to continue to come into the city centre. Parking near the hospital will not rise.”

However permanent off street parking, roadside vending and dog registrations will rise by 4% as from 1 July 2010.

“We have based the average rise just between the 5-6% Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) index value set for next year, and the 3% CPI,” said Cr Schier.

“During Council’s final budget meeting at the end of the month, those fees for temporary food licences that affect non profit organisations and small market stall holders will be reconsidered.”

Council’s current schedule of fees and charges are available online at www.cairns.qld.gov.au and will be updated as of 1 July.