Kangaroo Point Services Levy Referendum: Effects on Property Rates and Local Facilities

The ballot measure on the July 2026 referendum asks Kangaroo Point voters to approve a services levy on residential and commercial properties. Passage would require the local authority to collect the levy through existing rates notices beginning in the 2027 fiscal year.

The measure comes as the jurisdiction prepares its annual budget amid rising maintenance costs for roads, drainage and community buildings. Policy analysts note that similar levies in other districts have been used to cover shortfalls without drawing from general revenue.

Impacts on daily costs and services

Property owners would see an addition to their rates bill calculated as a percentage of assessed value. Renters could face higher weekly rents if landlords pass on the increase. The legislation states that funds must be spent on listed projects such as footpath repairs along the riverfront and upgrades to the central community hall.

Local advocates note that households with higher property values would contribute more under the formula. The 2025 valuation roll, cited in the referendum documentation, shows the median assessed value for Kangaroo Point dwellings at a level that would determine individual contributions once the rate is set by council resolution after the vote.

Projected revenue from the levy is expected to support contracted maintenance crews and minor capital works within the district boundaries. The government says the policy will ring-fence collections so they cannot be redirected to other purposes.

Next steps for voters

Polling places will open on the scheduled date with information booklets mailed to enrolled voters two weeks prior. Results will determine whether the levy appears on the subsequent rates notices or whether existing budget allocations remain unchanged.