Townsville City Council has today adopted a mid-year review of the 2025/26 Budget. The revised position sees an improved operational result despite the challenges of the last 18 months, which included a record-breaking wet weather event.
Newly elected Mayor Nick Dametto said he was excited and positive about Townsville's future and that Council was on track to deliver an operating surplus of $3.4m in the 2026-27 financial year.
"It's no secret Townsville has had a rough trot in recent times, and while I have no doubt there are still some hurdles to jump, it's great to see Council's financial position improve in the mid-year review," Cr Dametto said.
"Coming into Council I wanted to get this city back on track, deliver the basics well and restore pride and prosperity to Townsville - and to do that our finances need to be in a good position first and foremost.
"There's been a lot of picking up the pieces after the record-breaking weather event at the beginning of last year, and I'm pleased to see that even despite the added cost of recovery, the organisation's operating position is improving.
"Council had borne significant disaster response and recovery costs following last year's prolonged deluge but, despite this, is set to deliver an operational improvement of $700,000 compared to the budget adopted in July last year."
Councillor Dametto said his focus for the organisation was getting back to basics through the delivery of the services alongside Council's capital plan, including allocating a further $6 million to the Haughton Pipeline Project.
"This $6 million brings Council's total investment in the Haughton Pipeline Project to $85 million and enables all the pipeline to be installed, except a pump station and three sections of trenchless pipeline," Cr Dametto said.
"As I said last week, we are committed to delivering this project and I have been in discussions with the Premier and Deputy Premier to chart a way forward that ensures shared responsibility and a sustainable solution.
"While I have only been elected several months ago, I am optimistic seeing Council moving in the right direction, even during challenging times, but there is plenty of work left to do and I look forward to continuing to deliver for our city as we continue to grow Townsville."
Download the Mid-Year Budget Review on the Corporate Information page.
