Now’s the time to book a tradie: Council halves building and planning fees

Goondiwindi Regional Council has announced that it will halve all building and planning application fees within the Goondiwindi region for the 2020-21 financial year.

Mayor of the Goondiwindi region The Honourable Lawrence Springborg AM, said the 50% reduction in fees would support the region’s tradies and related industries through the ongoing drought and challenges of COVID-19.

“The construction sector employs more than 400 people across the region, so it’s imperative that we keep those people in work and keep that cash flowing locally,” Cr Springborg said.

“The incentive may also see the fast tracking of land and commercial developments that will create jobs now and into the future.

“This is a targeted measure to really encourage new builds, developments and home improvements, like a new shed. By keeping our tradies and local hardware stores in business, it means they can, in turn, keep spending money locally - whether it’s buying lunch on the job, continuing their sponsorship of local events, or importantly, employing more people.”

The number of building, planning and plumbing applications submitted to Council in the first six months of this year have so far indicated a downwards trend in comparison to 2019.

Local Lisa Hanna from RJ Hanna Constructions, said “the reduction in Council fees would incentivise those who had been considering a new build or development to do so within the Goondiwindi region.

“In the past year or so we’ve definitely seen people cut back on their spending with the drought - and especially now, with the coronavirus,” Lisa said.

“I think the 50% Council discount on the back of the [Australian Government’s] new HomeBuilder grant will really give people the encouragement and confidence to get going with the job.

“If anyone is thinking about a new build or has plans for a new shed or patio extension, now is definitely the time to be doing it,” Lisa said.

No action will be required by applicants to receive the discount as the reduction will be automatically applied to all applications received in the new financial year.

For more information about Council planning and development fees, or to submit an application, visit www.grc.qld.gov.au/business/planning-development/home.