Townsville City Council has released a new benchmarking snapshot that confirms Townsville's average residential rates and utility charges remain below the Queensland average for similar-sized local governments.
The analysis compared rates, utilities, discounts and household charges across 13 major Queensland councils, using available 2025/26 budget data for owner-occupied ratepayers.
Acting Mayor Ann-Maree Greaney said Townsville residential ratepayers would benefit from lower-than-average charges, with the average annual total, after applying Council's 5 per cent prompt payment discount, sitting at $4199, compared to the Queensland benchmarked average of $4392.
"We know the cost of living is front of mind for many in our community," Acting Mayor Ann-Maree Greaney said.
"This snapshot confirms that Townsville continues to deliver core services while keeping rates and utilities below the Queensland average.
"Comparing councils is complex due to varying service levels, geographic conditions and community expectations. That's why we've focused this snapshot on other large Queensland councils to provide a fair and meaningful comparison."
Townsville's 5 per cent prompt payment discount is competitive across the state. Of the councils benchmarked, four offer no discount, two offer a fixed-dollar discount and seven offer percentage-based discounts ranging from 5 per cent to 10 per cent.
"This rate cycle also reflects changes driven by the Queensland Government's 2025 land valuation program, which resulted in an average 27 per cent increase in land values across the Townsville Local Government Area," Cr Greaney said.
"It's a double-edged sword for property owners whose land valuations have increased significantly, on one hand, it reflects growth in the value of their property, but on the other, it can mean a higher rates bill.
"That's why Council has taken steps to soften the impact by reducing the rate in the dollar and applying a 20 per cent cap on general rate increases for residential homeowners.
"Ratepayers can expect an average increase for Category 1 properties of $240 annually, that's $4.62 per week. This includes an average $168 or $3.23 per week increase in utility charges for water, waste and sewerage.
"Around one-third of residential ratepayers will see no increase or even a decrease in their general rates, depending on changes in land valuation.
"In some areas, the increases in land value have been even more significant. On Magnetic Island, the average land valuation for a principal place of residence jumped from $151,000 to $243,000, a 61 per cent increase, compared to the Townsville average of 27 per cent. The average valuation on Magnetic Island is now higher than the broader Townsville average.
"We understand this has raised concern in the community. Council is aware that a number of objections have been submitted to the Valuer-General regarding these valuations, and we know those will take time to review.
"Despite the steep increase in land values on the Island, rate rises remain capped at 20 per cent for residential homeowners. Of the 1000-plus principal residences on Magnetic Island, 769 properties will see increases of between 15–20 per cent, 45 will see increases between 5–15 per cent and 140 properties will see increases of between 0 to 5 per cent."
Property owners will start receiving their latest rates and utilities notices from Monday 4 August, with payment due by Monday 8 September 2025.
Council is also encouraging residents to switch to eNotices, the fast, sustainable way to receive notices by email. Those who sign up will go into the draw to win a $250 Visa gift card.
To view the full benchmarking report or learn more about your rates, visit the Understanding Your Rates page.
