Council delivers responsible budget with one of the state’s lowest rate increases

Published on 30 June 2025

Council has adopted its 2025-2026 Budget, delivering a balanced and community-focused plan that keeps rate increases among the lowest in Queensland.

The Budget will also allow council to continue to invest in essential services and infrastructure.

Mayor Greg Williamson said the general rates increase of 4.95% was a modest adjustment in the face of rising costs and compared favourably with other councils across the state.

“We’ve worked hard to keep this increase as low as possible, especially when compared to other Queensland councils,” Mayor Williamson said.

“Like everyone, council has faced significant increases in operating costs, including employee costs to attract and retain staff, insurance, electricity, and in depreciation to renew and replace assets,” he said.

“We have also been faced with a 30 per cent reduction in the State Government's Waste Levy subsidy, which has forced waste collection costs up for residents.”

The $454 million budget includes $125.6 million in capital works, $13.8 million in pensioner concessions and discounts, $1.1 million increase in waste costs due to reduced State Government subsidies, $2 million in community funding and grants and $1.1 million for events and conference attraction.

Mayor Williamson said despite the challenges, Councillors have spent significant time working with staff to efficiently manage the Budget, keeping the rates and cost increases as low as possible.

“This provides us the opportunity to avoid the significant increases that some of our counterparts have had to pass on to residents.”

Acting CEO David McKendry said the budget was a strategic response to economic pressures.

“This is a budget that delivers for today while planning for tomorrow,” Mr McKendry said.

“The capital works program will deliver significant community infrastructure in the region, including the Northern Beaches Community Hub Stage 1B,” he said.

“The hub will be a fantastic community asset that will boast a library, flexible community rooms and a town square with event space and seating area.”

The 2025-2026 Community Budget Report and Long-Term Financial Forecast are available on the Mackay Regional Council website.