Many residents in Mount Ommaney are set to experience a slight decrease in their council rates, a contrasting outcome compared to much of Brisbane, as the city prepares for its 2025-26 financial year.
The Brisbane City Council has announced its upcoming budget, which projects an average weekly increase of $1.14 (3.87 per cent) for owner-occupied houses across Brisbane. However, due to recent land valuation changes, suburbs such as Mount Ommaney will see their rates drop by 1.87 per cent. This comes as inner-city unit owners face a potential $100 annual jump in their rates, effective from 1 October.
Rates Reflecting Land Valuations
Council calculates general rates primarily based on a property’s land valuation, often using a three-year averaged value, and its specific rating category. The current land valuation changes, which influence these calculations, are benefiting some areas. Yeronga will see a 0.38 per cent reduction and Tennyson a 0.93 per cent reduction, similar to Mount Ommaney.
In contrast, several suburbs are slated for the maximum rate increase, including Algester, Bowen Hills, the CBD, Chermside, Fortitude Valley, Karawatha, Newstead, Robertson, South Brisbane, Stones Corner, and Taigum. While land valuations in some areas have jumped by up to 20 per cent, Council has stated that rate increases will be capped at no more than 7.5 per cent.
Budget Priorities and Costs
Council states its 2025-26 Budget aims to balance keeping costs down for Brisbane residents while ensuring the city continues to develop. They say this balanced approach will result in Brisbane having the cheapest rates in South East Queensland. The budget also includes significant investments in public transport, such as subsidies, the Brisbane Metro, and the New Bus Network. A record 85 per cent of this year’s budget is allocated for spending in the suburbs, intending to enhance the city’s lifestyle.
Other initiatives include the rollout of green bins to all eligible households that want one, new decking for the Story Bridge footpaths, and the development of a long-term plan to protect and improve the Mt Coot-tha precinct.
Waste Levy and Unit Owner Impact
Despite the overall aim to keep costs down, a citywide rollout of green bins will introduce an additional charge. Ratepayers will be levied an extra $49.52 per year for these bins, even if they choose not to receive one. This increase is a measure to reduce the city’s waste volume and potentially lessen payments to the state government’s “bin tax.” The “universal” waste fee, covering red, yellow, and green bins, will consequently rise to $512.96 annually.
For inner-city unit owners, the situation is more complex. While the average rate increase is reported for owner-occupied houses, unit rates are directly tied to property valuations. If unit values continue to rise significantly, their rates could see a corresponding increase, regardless of Council’s focus on affordability. Some estimates suggest inner-city unit owners could face a $100 per year increase, which is double the current inflation rate. This adjustment is partly aimed at addressing perceived disparities, as Council noted that a large percentage of units previously paid only the minimum rate.
Mount Ommaney Property Market
The property market in Mount Ommaney has seen notable shifts. House prices have experienced substantial growth, with one report indicating a 32.96 per cent increase between October 2020 and September 2021, and another showing a 6.1 per cent rise in median house prices from May 2024 to May 2025. In contrast, unit prices in Mount Ommaney have not shown the same growth, with a reported 1.83 per cent decrease in the unit market between October 2020 and September 2021, accompanied by lower stock and demand.
Mount Ommaney is largely a family-friendly, middle-class area where homeowners tend to stay for extended periods, averaging 20.3 months, which is among the longest in Queensland. This suggests a preference for long-term residency rather than high turnover. While there are some unit developments, primarily serviced apartments for downsizers and retirees, units typically rent for around $650 per week based on May 2024 to May 2025 data.
Published Date 25-Jun-2025
