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 the Monday 30 June Council meeting include:
Financial Hardship Policy – Support for ratepayers in genuine financial difficulty, including deferred payments and interest relief.
Pensioner Concession Policy – Ongoing rate relief of up to $200 annually for eligible pensioners.
Water Charge Relief Policy – Rebates for excess water use due to hidden leaks or ongoing medical needs, now extended to include leaks caused by Council maintenance or construction.
Conservation Area Rates Concession Policy – Rate relief for landowners who manage and protect environmentally significant land.
Waste Management Fee Concession Policy – Waives landfill disposal fees for community groups that organise clean-ups of public spaces, with an improved application process.
Community Grants Policy – Outlines how grants, donations and sponsorships are distributed to support local projects, events and initiatives, with updates for fairness and consistency.
Community Groups Concession Policy – Ongoing concessions of up to 100 per cent on general rates and some utility charges for not-for-profit groups delivering cultural, sporting, or welfare services.
Principal Place of Residence Policy – Ensures correct rates and charges are applied to homeowners’ main residences, not investment or rental properties.
Refurbishment Concession Policy – Provides rate and utility charge relief for commercial property owners upgrading heritage or significant buildings that must close during works.
“These updates reflect Council’s commitment to creating connected communities through our places, spaces and people,” Cr Seymour said.
Updated policy versions will soon be available at frasercoast.qld.gov.au/policies, and grant details at https://www.frasercoast.qld.gov.au/grants-and-awards
