Budget 2026-2027

Our 2026-27 Budget implements our Financial Plan objective to "balance the books" and responsibly return the Council to a sustainable financial position.

Small rural councils face intense pressures, including a decade of state rate capping, a 20% spike in insurance premiums, rising construction costs, and reduced government grants.

To protect our long-term viability, we must bridge a $3.2 million gap this year and achieve a turnaround of nearly $11 million over the next four years.

In line with the state-imposed rate cap, average general rates and municipal charges will increase by 2.75%, which is lower than inflation and doesn't cover rising costs for things like fuel, insurance and construction.

Consistent with our Financial Plan and Asset Plan, capital investment in the Budget is focused almost entirely on maintaining our existing local assets and completing existing multi-year projects.

To meet the financial challenges, we are committed to improving our systems, embracing innovation, and finding new ways to operate more efficiently. Proposed Budget initiatives to improve the Council’s financial position include:

• Reducing labour costs
• Increasing operational efficiency
• Selling surplus land
• Reviewing all services.

Your opinion matters, and your participation in the Budget consultation process directly contributed to our decisions.

Listening to your feedback

We received a record-breaking 332 written submissions and two petitions on the Draft Budget. We listened closely to your priorities and amended our final plans to maintain core community services.

• Waste transfer stations: The Bealiba, Dunolly, and Talbot transfer stations have been funded in this Budget. To cover these ongoing operations, waste fees and charges will increase by 10% (up from the initially proposed 7%).
• Community grants: A reduced allocation of $30,000 has been adopted to support local initiatives.

Capital works

We are delivering an $11.85 million capital works program, with 85% of this investment going directly into renewing and upgrading our existing local assets. Projects for the coming year include:

• Maryborough Outdoor Pool stage two
• Deledio Recreation Reserve Pavilion upgrade
• The annual road resealing and asphalting program
• Public convenience upgrades, including automatic toilet locks and barbecue sensors
• Aerodrome Regional Airport Program, round four.