Council caves in

SOUTHERN Downs Regional Council has scrapped its planned infrastructure charge increases that would have cost developers tens of thousands of dollars more on projects.
The move came at this month’s council meeting last week, and follows strong opposition to the proposed increases by developers.
The council unanimously voted to hold existing charges as they are and consider in the future lowering these charges to stimulate the local economy.
Under the plan to lower rates mooted by Councillor Jamie Mackenzie, infrastructure charges would be reduced across the board if there was an agreement between developers and council.
If introduced, the charges would be set on a case by case basis. Developers are invited to discuss the move with council in open forums on 14 July in Warwick and 16 July in Stanthorpe.