Balberra sits 17.4 kilometres from Brisbane CBD. Annual running costs for a house total $8,904, covering council rates, water and sewerage, commute and home insurance. Unit costs come in at $7,404, as lower council rates more than offset the $1,800 body corporate levy. At 17.4km from the CBD, transport mode shifts the annual total by $1,278. The gap widens as commute costs rise.
Is it cheaper to drive or take public transport from Balberra to the CBD?
Public transport saves Balberra residents $1,278 per year. Annual commute cost by car is $1,470 versus $192 by public transport using Translink's flat 50 cent fare.
What are the council rates in Balberra?
Balberra falls under Mackay Regional Council. The residential general rate for 2025–26 is $1,328 per year for an owner-occupied house. Unit owners in strata schemes pay $1,528 per year. These figures cover the general rate only and exclude waste and cleansing charges.
What does it cost to run a unit in Balberra?
Running a unit in Balberra costs approximately $7,404 per year by car or $6,126 by public transport. This includes council rates of $1,528, water and sewerage $1,906, estimated body corporate levy of $1,800, and contents insurance of $700. Body corporate fees vary significantly between buildings — always confirm the actual levy before purchasing.
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Data sources: Council rates: Mackay Regional Council 2025-26. Water: Mackay Regional Council Water & Sewerage 2025-26. Commute: ATO cents per kilometre rate 2025–26 (88c/km). Insurance: AI-estimated, disclosed as estimate. Schools: ACARA NAPLAN 2025. Risk: Queensland Globe, QFES. Data updated July 2025. Cost estimates are for comparison purposes only and do not constitute financial, insurance, or credit advice.