Budget focuses on roads and waste facilities
Published on 03 July 2026
With a focus on roads and waste facilities along with a near term record $94 million capital expenditure program to deliver, Scenic Rim Regional Council has adopted its 2026-2027 Budget.
The $123.8 million operating budget and $94.7 million capital works program has taken account of a number of challenges facing the region, including significant waste management issues and has been framed not only as an annual financial plan but also as the first step in a broader program of work to strengthen organisational performance, improve service efficiency and support better outcomes for the community.
While the Mayor said he did not support the adoption of the 2026-2027 Budget at Council's Special Meeting this week, Cr Sharp said the Budget was a decision of Council and provided a program for the delivery of services and infrastructure for this financial year.
"Key projects in the 2026-2027 Budget include community infrastructure, road and bridge works and a major investment in a recreational facility," he said.
"The 2026-2027 Budget provides Council funding of $3.35 million for the Beaudesert Police Citizens Youth Club and Indoor Sports Facility at Dick Westerman Park Beaudesert, a landmark partnership project between Council and the Queensland Government’s Department of Local Government, Water and Volunteers representing a significant investment in the young people who are the future of the Scenic Rim.
"Council’s $94.7 million Capital Works Plan includes external funding of $45.3 million, with $29 million allocated to infrastructure recovery from Cyclone Alfred and the November 2025 weather event."
Recognising the importance of transport infrastructure to the region’s economy and liveability, Council’s budget provides $7.2 million for works at Kerry Road, supported by the Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Program and the Residential Activation fund, with $21.1 million to be spent over the next three years.
"The Budget also includes $2.68 million for Veresdale Scrub Road from Mount Lindesay Highway to Fields Road at Gleneagle and I know that residents who have long advocated for works in this area will welcome this project," Cr Sharp said.
Council will also be allocating $1.7 million for the completion of the Gallery Walk car park at Tamborine Mountain and the Davidson Park Play Space Public Art and Amenities Shelter to be constructed in Beaudesert, a $430,000 City Deals-funded Art Project, with an additional $470,000 contribution from ratepayers.
Planning will commence on Taylor Bridge, a project totalling $7.43 million to be funded with $5 million provided by Australian Government’s Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program and the remainder by Council.
"Change rooms and facilities at the Boonah Sports Complex, Selwyn Park and Willis Park at Beaudesert are also among projects recognising the importance of community and recreational infrastructure," Cr Sharp said.
A key consideration in this year’s Budget has been the escalating pressure within Council's waste operations, particularly the urgent leachate management and compliance works required at Bromelton Landfill.
"All of the capital programs outlined in the Budget will require careful oversight of their delivery," Cr Sharp said.
With an average general rate increase of 5.8 per cent for principal place of residence properties, an increase in the waste charge from $584 to $746 (up 27.7 per cent), the transport infrastructure charge from $627 to $688 (up 9.7 per cent) and the environmental charge rising from $50 to $53 (up six per cent), giving an overall increase of 10.3 per cent increase in rates and charges to principal place of residence properties on the minimum rate.
The Budget process highlighted a number of strategic issues requiring continued attention.
"These include the deliverability of the capital works program and identifying the efficiencies which can be achieved without unacceptable impacts on service levels," Cr Sharp said.