Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate today handed down the $2.7 billion 2026-27 Operational Plan and City Budget with a continued focus on delivering programs and services for Gold Coasters.
Importantly it has delivered a rate increase for principal place of residence (PPRs) properties in line with CPI and has retained the 10% discount for payment on time.
"This is a budget focused on all Gold Coasters during what is an incredibly difficult economic environment,'' Mayor Tate said.
"As the second largest local government in the country, we remain committed to delivering essential services, infrastructure and planning for our 680,000 residents, 83,200 registered businesses and 14.4 million annual visitors,'' he said.
"To ensure frontline services are not only maintained but enhanced, this budget sets aside significant expenditure on transport services as well as record investment in natural areas including parks, sporting fields, land for wildlife, open space and nature-based projects.
"We are also investing $226 million into improving community facilities and sports venues which are the heartbeat of the Gold Coast.
"The 2026-27 budget was shaped against difficult global geopolitical events and high national inflation. Like the household budget, inflation also impacts on council costs associated with labour, fuel, supplies and services.
"As mayor and Chair of Special Budget for 14 years, this has been the most challenging budget to frame. Since 2012, I have worked tirelessly with successive councils to ensure any general rate increase is at or around Brisbane's Consumer Price Index (CPI). Since 2012, we have ensured all annual rate increases have been at, or below, that CPI. That remains the case with the 2026-27 budget.
"Today, I announce an average general rate increase (owner-occupier Principal-Place-Residence) of 4.7 percent for 2026-27. The current CPI for Brisbane is 4.7 percent, confirming that through the diligence of all councillors and the City administration, we have again achieved a low rates mantra for all.
"Further, the City's 10 percent pay-on-time discount has been retained, meaning a ratepayer with a $2000 rates bill, who pays on time, effectively receives a 10 percent discount. I do not believe there is another council of this size in Australia which offers such a generous incentive and I'm delighted to confirm it has been retained in 2026-27.
"I appreciate that while 4.7 percent is in line with CPI, it is worth noting other SEQ councils including Sunshine Coast have announced increases as high as 9.7 percent for their 2026-27 budgets, highlighting the challenging environment we all face.''
Highlights of the 2026-27 City budget are:
CORE SERVICES AND OVERALL INVESTMENT HIGHLIGHTS
- Safe drinking water and recycled water – $348 million
- Sewage collection and treatment – $331 million
- Waste services, collection and recycling – $198 million
- Infrastructure – $543 million
- Lifestyle and community – $226 million
- Green space and environment – $241 million
- Economy and events – $146 million
"In 2026-27, we have reinforced the focus on sticking to the basics, delivering frontline services and keeping rates as low as possible. This is a Budget for all Gold Coasters with a focus on compassion and inclusiveness."
