Queensland Budget already providing cost-of-living relief

MAGNETIC ISLAND
50c fares will make a major difference to those who frequently use Townsville’s public transport network.
Translink

As we ticked over to a new financial year, many of the $11.2 billion nation-leading cost-of-living measures in the 2024–25 State Budget came into effect.

This includes the $1000 in electricity bill support payments for Queensland households, from 1 July 2024, paid for by the Queensland Government’s 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, taking the total energy bill relief to $1300.

Eligible concession holders will continue to receive an additional $372 under the Queensland Electricity Rebate Scheme.

In addition, small businesses will receive a rebate of $650 this financial year.

A 20 per cent reduction in vehicle registration costs has started appearing on bill notices issued after 5 August.

50 cent fares came into play on all modes of public transport across the Translink network for a six-month period on 5 August. Townsville commuters will be able to travel on the region’s bus network for just 50 cents per trip.

The Queensland Government also expanded eligibility and increased the number of $200 Fair Play vouchers available to 200,000, to support families with the cost of kids’ sport and active recreation.

These concessions and more form part of the state’s biggest ever 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 State Budget, and queenslandsavers.qld.gov.au to check the cost-of-living concessions you may be eligible for.

EXAMPLES OF 50 CENT FARE SAVINGS IN TOWNSVILLE

Prema

Lives in Kelso and commutes by bus five days a week to attend TAFE and her evening job. She undertakes 10 journeys per week.

Current Fare

50c Fare

$1.80 per journey

50 cents per journey

$14.40 per week

$5 per week

SAVINGS OVER SIX MONTHS

$225.60

Barry and Susan

Are a senior couple who live on Magnetic Island and catch the bus to the shops at Nelly Bay twice a week to do grocery shopping and visit their grandkids once a week. They do six journeys per week.

Current Fare

50c Fare

$1.20 each per journey

50 cents per journey

$14.40 per week

$6 per week

COMBINED SAVINGS OVER SIX MONTHS

$201.60