Western Downs Regional Council has adopted its 2026-27 Budget, committing $324.3 million to services and infrastructure across the region.
The Budget includes $116.6 million in capital works across 122 projects and $207.7 million to deliver day-to-day services, with $34.7 million in external funding to reduce costs for the year ahead.
As part of a total $49.26 million infrastructure investment, more than $26.04 million will be directed to capital roads, stormwater and transport network projects. A further $13.5 million has been allocated for water, wastewater, and gas infrastructure capital works and improvements.
Community spaces are also a key focus, with nearly $35.4 million committed to capital community development projects and a further $15.9 million for new and improved facilities, including aquatic centres, showgrounds and saleyard upgrades.
Around $5.96 million will support parks and recreation, with major new capital projects at Chinaman's Lagoon in Miles and Thomas Jack Park in Dalby.
Western Downs Regional Council Mayor Andrew Smith said the Budget focused on maintaining essential services while continuing to invest in the region's future.
"This Budget ensures we continue delivering essential services while progressing projects that support economic growth and maintain the lifestyle our communities value," Cr Smith said.
"Every dollar has been carefully considered to ensure we are operating responsibly while continuing to deliver the infrastructure and services our communities rely on."
Mayor Smith said recent increases to the region's land values, as well as increases to the minimum rate, had contributed to an average 7.16 percent rise in general rates across all categories.
"Land values are set independently by the Department of Natural Resources and are used to calculate general rates," he said.
"The Western Downs region has not had a land valuation for three years, which means some properties are seeing more noticeable changes.
"Land values have changed significantly across the region, with residential land values increasing by an average of 76.79 per cent.
"Individual land values ranged from a decrease of 93.75 per cent to an increase of up to 445.45 per cent, and this has been a major factor influencing this year's general rates.
"While higher land values can be positive when selling land or properties, they can also impact some ratepayers if their land value has increased more than others.
"Rate changes will not be the same for everyone - properties may see increases, decreases, or little change, depending on how their land value has changed.
"Minimum rates have increased to align the minimum contribution with the cost of delivering Council's services.
"Water charges will increase by 7 per cent, waste and wastewater by 3.5 per cent, and gas by 14.2 per cent."
Mayor Smith said these decisions were not taken lightly but reflected the real cost of delivering infrastructure and services across a region as large as the Western Downs.
"We are very conscious of the cost-of-living pressures facing households and have worked hard to keep increases as low as possible," he said.
"This has been one of the most challenging budgets Council has faced.
"Like households and businesses across the country, Council is experiencing significant cost pressures, particularly in fuel, freight, chemicals, contractors, and materials.
"These pressures are compounded by tightening external funding.
"Our responsibility is to be upfront about these pressures while continuing to deliver the services our community relies on.
"We have been working through these decisions for around four months now and we've had to make some tough choices to make sure we deliver a responsible Budget that focuses on what matters most."
