State cuts waste offset, Costs set to rise
Ratepayers face rising costs as state cuts waste levy offset; councils demand a policy reset to avoid further strain.
What’s happening?
From July 2025, millions of Queenslanders, including Gold Coast residents, face a new cost burden after the State Government reduced the waste levy offset paid to councils.
Councils in waste levy zones will no longer receive a full 100 per cent offset, with some now receiving only 70 per cent. The Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) has launched a #BinTheTax campaign, fronted by Chooky the Bin Chicken, calling for a pause on these reductions until the state’s waste strategy review is complete.
Why it matters
The waste levy aims to reduce landfill and increase recycling. However, promised investments in recycling infrastructure and diversion options have not occurred, leaving councils with no choice but to pass costs onto ratepayers or cut essential services.
LGAQ CEO Alison Smith said:
“Millions of Queenslanders will be forced to pay a state waste levy – a bin tax – for the waste they send to landfill.”
“This is happening because councils in waste levy zones will no longer receive the 100 per cent offset which has been paid by the state. That offset has been paid to councils in order to prevent the levy being applied to household bins. However, that is all changing, with the offset dropping to 70 per cent for some councils this financial year, and the offset amount forecast to drop each year going forwards unless the State Government agrees to a reset.”
“That investment and those options are not in place, meaning households don’t have appropriate waste diversion options.”
Local Impact
Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate said the increased waste levy would leave council with no option but to pass the cost on to ratepayers, who are already struggling with rising living expenses.
“The increase in the waste levy is concerning as councils have no option but to pass it on to ratepayers at a time when cost of living continues to hit hard.”
“All levels of government need to work together to reduce the amount of waste going to landfill and this will require major community education programs and innovative solutions like waste to energy which is in widespread use throughout Asia and Europe.”
“That’s why Gold Coast is investing in a waste to energy project in the north of our city at Stapylton.”
“This is a major challenge that cannot be left to local government alone.”
“Whilst the current State Government are still in their first year, and it was the previous Government that introduced the waste levy, I urge the Government to partner with local government across Queensland to deliver outcomes that benefit the environment and reduce costs in the longer term.”
By the Numbers
Nearly $30 million – Total reduction in offset payments faced by 19 Queensland councils from today.
$477 million – Estimated revenue the State Government will raise from the waste levy this financial year.
19 councils affected, including Gold Coast City Council.
Zoom In
The LGAQ’s #BinTheTax campaign uses Chooky the Bin Chicken to call on the State Government to halt offset cuts until the current waste strategy review is complete. Without action, councils must either increase rates or reduce funding for parks, libraries, and community facilities.
Zoom Out
Mayors across Queensland, from Gladstone to Fraser Coast, Rockhampton, Bundaberg, Redland, Sunshine Coast, Scenic Rim, and Toowoomba, have expressed alarm at the cost shifting. They highlighted the risk of increased charges without state-backed infrastructure.
Fraser Coast Mayor George Seymour said:
“Now we’re being asked to do more, with less, and pay more for it. That’s simply not fair to our community.”
Rockhampton Mayor Tony Williams noted:
“These new charges are going to hit the community at a really difficult time and they will continue to grow out to 2030.”
What to Look For Next?
The Queensland Waste Strategy review is underway. Councils and residents should monitor its outcomes closely, as LGAQ and local leaders are pushing for a reset to prevent further financial pressure on communities.