Prioritising everyday services valued by the community and investing in resource recovery are key elements of Noosa Council's 2026-27 Budget.
Mayor Frank Wilkie said the $200 million budget, adopted today, had been developed against a backdrop of global uncertainty, supply chain pressures and rising costs for materials which continue to have a significant impact on our operating costs.
"The priority has been meeting community expectations, responding to rising costs and working to find the right balance," he said.
Council's financial sustainability has allowed it to respond in a disciplined, measured way and minimise the impacts of the recent land valuation increases that averaged about 37 percent."
The majority of owner-occupier ratepayers are on the minimum general rate. They can expect a total increase on their rates notice of $2.58 per week, which is $134.10 a year or 6.9%.
Cr Wilkie said councillors were mindful of cost-of-living pressures faced by households and maintaining Noosa to the standard we all expect.
"We've kept the on-time rates payment discount, which is a $77 saving this year and retained the full pensioner rates rebate for eligible property owners.
"We've put a freeze on most levies, apart from a $5.55 increase in the Sustainable Transport levy to continue exploring ways to enhance transport options across the shire.
There's a $56 million Capital Works program plus $29 million in disaster recovery work in the hinterland.
Cr Wilkie said Noosa's waste bin collection charge remains among the lowest when benchmarked against other Queensland councils.
"The waste charge will increase by eight cents per week per residential ratepayer ($44 a year) to reflect rising costs of household waste collections and the state waste levy plus the need to invest in improving recycling options, and safety at the landfill site," Cr Wilkie said.
"We've aimed to deliver a responsible, future-focused budget that keeps pace with rising costs and continues to deliver and maintain the assets and services underpinning Noosa's quality of life," he said.
Core services and initiatives of the 2026-27 Budget:
- $19.1 million - Roads, bridges, and Transport Infrastructure
- $15.1 million - Resource recovery and waste management
- $6.8 million - Parks, public amenities, community facilities and sporting groups
- $2.8 million - pathways, boardwalks and trail network.
- $4.5 million - stormwater, coastal canals and waterways.
Example: Minimum Rates notice for residential property in Noosa (principal place of residence)
Noosa Mayor Frank Wilkie on the 2026-27 Council Budget:
