Carbon tax won't impact rates much

THE introduction of the carbon tax shouldn't have too much of an impact on Banana Shire rates.

While some of the larger regional councils in Queensland face a hefty tax bill under the carbon scheme, Banana Shire should escape relatively unscathed.

Banana Shire Council director of commercial services Andrew Reid said the most significant impact for councils would be through rubbish dump emissions.

"The carbon tax threshold for a landfill facility to trigger the tax imposition is 25,000 tonnes of CO2 a year," Mr Reid said.

"Currently Banana Shire would be lucky to produce 8000 tonnes of carbon emissions a year.

"The government has stated there will be no carbon tax liability for facilities under 25,000t for at least the first three years of the carbon tax.

"However, after three years this may change and the government may decided to either lower the threshold trigger or abolish it completely."

Mr Reid said Council could be affected by rising electricity costs, construction costs and fuel costs.

"The government have released information stating that household electricity prices will rise by about 10% and that they will provide assistance to households.

"Construction costs are not expected to rise significantly. The carbon tax will not apply to fuel used by light vehicles and heavy on-road transport will not be covered until July 2012."

Mr Reid said grants and funding opportunities, to offset the costs, would be provided.