Queensland Budget already providing cost of living relief
Just three months into the new financial year and already, many of the $11.2 billion nation-leading cost of living measures in the 2024–25 State Budget, have come into effect.
This includes the $1000 in electricity bill support payments for Queensland households, from 1 July 2024, paid for with the Queensland Government’s progressive coal royalties.
The rebate will appear as a lump sum credit on energy bills and will be in addition to the $300 electricity rebate provided by the Federal Government to Australian households in 2024–25.
Eligible concession holders will continue to receive an additional $372 under the Queensland Electricity Rebate Scheme and small businesses will receive a rebate of $650 this financial year.
Vehicle registration fees are also being reduced by 20 per cent for a 12 month period and have started appearing on renewal notices issued from 5 August.
The Queensland Government’s 50 cent fares trial across Translink’s public transport network kicked-off at the start of August, allowing Sunshine Coast commuters to travel on the region’s buses and trains for just 50 cents per trip, regardless of the number of zones travelled or time of their journey.
This exciting six-month trial delivers the lowest public transport fares in Queensland’s modern history and forms part of the state’s largest cost of living relief package, helping Queenslanders with their household bills and putting downward pressure on inflation.
Visit budget.qld.gov.au for more information on the 2024–25 Budget, and queenslandsavers.qld.gov.au to check the cost of living concessions you may be eligible for.
EXAMPLES OF 50 CENT FARE SAVINGS ON THE SUNSHINE COAST
City commuter:
John works in the city and travels from Palmwoods four days a week. He uses public transport during peak times, undertaking 8 journeys per week.
He will save $2,697.60 on public transport over six months with 50c flat fares.
Queensland Seniors Card holder:
Tamani and Sandy are a retired couple. They live in Nambour on the Sunshine Coast. They both hold a Queensland Seniors card.
They use public transport to go to Mooloolaba at least three times a week to go to the beach, the Sunshine Plaza and see their grandchildren.
Tamani also catches public transport to the Sunshine Coast University Hospital once a fortnight for regular treatment.
They will save $320.32 on public transport over six months with 50c flat fares.