policy
Brisbane Community Services Levy Referendum: Projected Effects on Social Programs in SEQ Growth Corridors
The referendum proposes a 0.25 per cent rates levy to expand funding for community services across Brisbane, Logan and Ipswich.
How we reported this
The Brisbane Community Services Levy Referendum asks voters whether to approve a dedicated rates levy that would allocate an estimated $48 million annually to social support programs. The measure targets residents in the South East Queensland growth corridors, including Logan and Ipswich development areas, where population increases have strained existing services.
The referendum comes as the SEQ Growth Plan projects an additional 1.2 million residents by 2041, with pressure on community services already evident in outer suburbs. Local government elections scheduled for later this year will include the ballot question alongside council races, following state government directives on infrastructure tied to the 2032 Olympics pipeline.
Impacts on daily services for Brisbane households
Residents in Rivermakers precinct and surrounding Logan areas could see expanded access to family support centres and youth programs if the levy passes. The proposal directs funds to emergency relief providers and disability support coordination, with allocations based on current demand data from the Department of Communities, Housing and Digital Economy. Ipswich corridor households may benefit from additional aged care transport services funded through the same stream.
Policy documents from Brisbane City Council indicate the levy would supplement existing state allocations rather than replace them. Community advocates note that current funding gaps have led to wait times of up to six weeks for some counselling services in growth suburbs.
Budget figures and next steps
The Productivity Commission has reported that social services expenditure in Queensland reached $9.8 billion in the 2024-25 financial year, with South East Queensland accounting for 62 per cent of that total. The referendum proposal states that the new levy would be reviewed after three years and adjusted according to independent audits.
Voters will receive information booklets from the Electoral Commission of Queensland by 15 August. Polling occurs on 24 October, with results expected to determine whether the levy appears on rates notices from 1 July 2027.