Budget 2026/27

Mayor's Message

This year’s Budget is about balancing the needs of our community today with planning for the future. 

We know the cost of living is putting pressure on local households, so we’ve worked to keep costs down where possible. Councillors carefully considered this Budget across several workshops to make sure we got that balance right. 

We’re continuing to build on previous years by investing in the infrastructure our region relies on, including roads, water and sewerage services, and community facilities that support our way of life. 

Our $48 million capital works program will strengthen infrastructure, support local jobs and improve liveability across the Banana Shire, with significant external funding helping reduce pressure on ratepayers. 

While the average rate increase is 8.19%, most residential ratepayers will see an increase closer to 3%, with rate capping retained to keep charges more consistent. 

This is a responsible Budget focused on careful spending and investing where it matters most for our community.