The financial credentials of Adrian Schrinner and his LNP-majority council administration are under scrutiny after Council’s Quarterly Update revealed debt servicing costs have doubled to more than $40 million while operational expenses continue to escalate.
Rates revenue has increased by $25 million while fees and charges – particularly parking fines, is up $15 million.
However, capitalised expenses have taken a hit across almost all portfolios, falling from $259 million to $128.7 million primarily due to reallocations into operational expenses. As a result, spending on materials and services is down by $88 million.
Since the June budget, Council had completed just 9 footpath and bikeway repair jobs. And as Brisbane begins to suffer storm season, the report also showed that Council had completed 3 stormwater drainage projects.
Council also has less staff on hand today than in 2023, with 426 full time staff cut from the payroll.
The Lord Mayor attempted to defend the report by claiming that Brisbane residents voted for his approach to financial management at the last Council election.
But Brisbane Labor Leader Jared Cassidy called him out for hypocrisy, claiming that Brisbane ratepayers were literally paying the price for the Lord Mayor’s international travel bill, which worked out to be $342 a day.
“[People] can’t help but feel like something is amiss. That their suburb, their city, is under strain – just like their household budget. Well, you’re not imagining it – because the numbers back it up.”
“It can’t help when one particular person on Council’s payroll is not at their desk.”
“He [Schrinner] racks up his Frequent Flier Points. Brisbane pays the price.”
Brisbane City Council’s next budget review is expected to be brought before councillors in the coming weeks.
