Financial Information

2026-2027

Budget Update 2026-2027

What shapes the Budget

Community priorities and service expectations.
Economic factors, inflation and rising costs.
Long-term planning particularly for population and housing growth.
Responsible financial management.

How the Council budget works

Council’s Budget is made up of two core parts - one that funds day-to-day services, and one that funds longer‑term infrastructure and capital works programs.

Operational Budget

Funding and costs of the day‑to‑day service delivery and operations of Council the community relies on.

Service delivery and operations
Maintenance and routine works
Workforce and resources and contracted services

Capital Works Program

Funds the major projects and infrastructure that meet the current needs of and plans for the future growth.

Infrastructure upgrades (e.g. roads, footpaths, etc)
Construction, renewal or improvement of community facilities and Council assets (e.g. sports facilities upgrades)
Waste management infrastructure and service improvements

How the Budget is developed

Developing the Budget takes several months and involves careful and detailed planning. Council considers its economic conditions, available government funding, and the region’s priorities to ensure the Budget supports current needs and future outcomes.

As work continues, further information on budget trends, cost pressures will be confirmed through the Budget process. The Fees and Charges schedule has now been published on the website and additional Budget information will be available on Council’s website after the Special Meeting on 1 July 2026.

How the current economy is impacting the Budget

1. Global factors impacting costs

Global events are continuing to affect supply chains and increasing the cost of delivering everyday services and infrastructure projects. In particular, higher fuel and freight costs, rising prices for construction materials and ongoing supply delays are putting pressure on service delivery, project timelines and asset maintenance.

Higher fuel costs: The higher fuel costs are impacting Council services, such as waste collection, road maintenance, street cleaning, and parks and mowing.
Cost of materials: Rising costs are most evident in energy-intensive and oil-linked materials, those used predominately in construction including concrete, steel, road surfacing products and PVC piping used across infrastructure.
Ongoing supply chain disruptions: Challenges including supply delays, increased freight and contractor costs, and limited material availability, are placing pressure on the timely delivery of major projects and the upkeep of community infrastructure and public spaces.

2. Economic pressures on Council

Council’s budgets are developed on the best available economic forecasts at the time. However, inflation and broader market conditions continue to affect the cost of materials, contracts and services which place added pressure on Council's operating and capital budgets.

3. Inflation

Inflation pressures remain stronger and more widespread than previously expected, with Queensland experiencing particularly high cost increases. The Reserve Bank of Australia has indicated that inflation is likely to remain higher than expected in the near term before easing gradually towards its target range of 2-3% over time. This means Council as all individuals, families and businesses do, continues to face higher costs across a wide range of goods, services and infrastructure inputs.

Budget Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to common questions about rates, charges and how the Budget works.

Why does Council charges rates?

Rates and charges are a contribution that each ratepayer makes towards the cost of maintaining and improving a wide range of community services and facilities. These include:

transport infrastructure network, roads, footpaths and bridges)
local sporting infrastructure
parks, recreation spaces and cemetery services
waste services
library services
regulatory and environmental services
planning and development services
cultural services
economic development and regional events
community development and cultural services
disaster management program
Council and public facilities maintenance
Corporate services

Rates notices also include:

Environmental charge
Infrastructure charges
Waste collection charge and waste disposal charge; and
Charges collected on behalf of the Queensland Government, such as the Rural Fire Levy and the State Emergency Management Levy.

Rates, and charges are Council’s primary source of income, supplemented by government grants, developer contributions and Council borrowings.

Where do I find more information on rating information?

For more information go to:
https://www.scenicrim.qld.gov.au/Council-Services/Payments-and-Forms/Rating-Information