Cairns Regional Council today adopted its 2025/26 Budget, setting a clear direction to meet the growing needs and expectations of the community and secure long-term financial sustainability.
It applies a disciplined approach to financial management, while continuing to meet the growing needs and expectations of the community.
Cairns Mayor Amy Eden said the $723.7 million budget strikes a balance between delivering essential services and infrastructure, and being mindful of the cost-of-living pressures facing households across the region.
"This Budget is about making sure our community continues to thrive, even in challenging times," Cr Eden said.
"By balancing financial responsibility and community needs, we're laying the foundations for a stronger future."
One component used by Council to calculate general rates is the State Government-issued land valuations.
The Queensland Government's Valuer-General issued new land valuations earlier this year, with an average increase of 30% across the Cairns Local Government Area.
Council has acted to cushion the impact of these significant valuation changes by reducing the rate in the dollar for all residential categories.
The rate in the dollar is the number multiplied by the land valuation to calculate the general rate charge.
As a result, most ratepayers will see a general rate rise of 5.9% or less.
"Every dollar we collect from ratepayers is spent with a focus on value for money and community benefit," Cr Eden said.
"This budget is about getting long-term spending on track, so we can keep delivering for our residents today and for years to come.
"That means making hard decisions to reduce debt, re-establish cash reserves and restore financial discipline."
A record $421.8 million capital works program is underpinned by a $260.1 million investment in the Cairns Water Security Stage 1, as well as targeted funding for water, roads, and sewage infrastructure, community facilities and parks.
Mayor Eden said that responsible revenue setting, including rates, meant Council can continue to meet the service standards expected by the community.
"We understand the pressures facing households, but we also have a duty to provide the services that make our community liveable, connected and resilient," she said.
"Roads, water, parks, libraries and waste services are all critical to our residents' quality of life and they rely on Council to keep them running.
"Like many local governments, we're navigating a complex environment of rising costs, increased demand for services, and ongoing economic uncertainty.
"We know that residents are doing it tough right now.
"That's why this budget focuses on financial discipline while ensuring we can continue delivering the services and facilities our community relies on every day."
The Budget allocates $6.7 million to deliver more footpaths and rejuvenate neighbourhood parks, $2.1 million on sporting facilities, and $1.3 million for pool improvements.
Community safety remains a key consideration, with the provision for $5.6 million to maintain community safety through the City Safe program, as well as $475,000 for new CCTV installations and renewals.
More than $3.5 million will promote Cairns as a premier tourist destination, and a further $1.5 million will be used to bring major events to the city, such as IRONMAN and Crankworx.
The budget also includes an increase to the pensioner concession from $320 to $335.
The 2025/26 Annual Budget is available in full on Council's website at [insert link].
At a glance
Capital works program investment highlights
- Cairns Water Security Stage 1 project – $260.1 million
- Investment in safe drinking water – $28.0 million
- Transport and drainage infrastructure – $54.7 million
- Sewage collection and treatment – $32.9 million
- Community spaces – $21.8 million
- Entertainment and the arts – $3.2 million
- Waste services, collection and recycling – $2.9 million.
Fees and charges
- 4.5% increase for sewerage access and waste collection.
- Water access increase of 11.3% ($43.38 for residential and $42.92 for commercial).
- Water usage charges increasing by 17 cents / kilolitre for residential and 18 cents/kl for commercial – $1.87/kl (residential) and $1.96/kl (commercial).
- No general increase to fees and charges, with some minor exceptions, including cemeteries and Ticketlink bookings.
Other items
- Council has endorsed an adjustment to the general rates calculation for retirement villages and relocatable home parks, bringing them in line with other multi-dwelling properties. This will be phased in over four years, starting in 2025/26.
- No increase to parking fees.
- The 3.5% increase in Council fines is mandated by the State Government's Penalty Unit.
