Queensland's energy minister has defended a decision not to increase pensioner concessions, saying electricity and bulk water prices have slipped.
Energy and Water Supply Minister Mark Bailey announced on Sunday the state government would allocate $347 million in next week's budget to maintain seniors' concessions for energy, water and transport.
It's a boost of $12 million on last year's spending and covers a shortfall left by the federal government, which axed its contributions last year.
But the pensioner rebates for electricity, water, rates and transport will remain unchanged, while the natural gas rebate will increase by $1 to $69.
"This year we're seeing an on-average decrease in electricity prices of about half a per cent and we're keeping concessions where they are," Mr Bailey told reporters.
"We're seeing a reduction in the bulk water price for the majority of councils, yet we're keeping the concessions where they are."
Sunday's announcement means more than 500,000 aged pensioners and seniors' card holders will be eligible for up to $710 in concessions, and 50 per cent off vehicle registration and public transport.
The move was welcomed by pensioners at the Wynnum Manly Leagues Bowls Club on Brisbane's bayside, where Mr Bailey and Communities Minister Shannon Fentiman made the announcement.
"I would say every pensioner would be delighted, not satisfied but delighted, because they need the money," 85-year-old Lota pensioner John Wakely told AAP.
The federal government axed its 15 per cent-equivalent contribution to the scheme last year.
The Newman government wasn't going to make up the shortfall but backflipped after outrage from pensioners.
The electricity rebate will remain at $321, the rates subsidy scheme at $200, and the water concession at $120.
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