Hinchinbrook Shire Council has adopted its 2026–2027 Budget, which it says has been shaped by the realities of rising costs and the need to ensure long-term financial sustainability while continuing to deliver essential services for the community.
The $67.2 million Budget includes a $14.1 million capital works program focused on maintaining critical infrastructure, delivering core services, and investing where it matters most.
Mayor, Ramon Jayo said Council was very aware of the pressures facing residents and businesses.
“For many years, Council has consistently worked to keep annual rate increases as low as possible in recognition of the unique challenges our community faces, including recurrent natural disasters and an ageing population,” Mayor Jayo said.
“However, while this approach has helped ease the burden on ratepayers, it has not always allowed Council to recover the true cost of delivering services.
“We have been able to absorb those costs in the past, but that is no longer proving possible.
“In the past financial year alone, the cost of providing fundamental services has increased by around 30 per cent across the board, with rapid escalation driven by external factors leading to significant unplanned expenditure.
“The longer these pressures are left unaddressed, the harder it becomes to remain financially sustainable.
“We’ve had to be upfront about that and take a responsible approach to ensure we can continue delivering the services our community relies on every day.”
The general rate increase has been set at 4.5%, with most households experiencing an increase of around $1.70 per week or less.
Across all rates, levies and charges, the overall increase is 5.21%, equating to about $4.01 per week for a typical household, covering general rates, water, sewerage and waste services.
While most ratepayers will see the general rate increase, those who have experienced significant valuation changes, were previously subject to rate capping, or own multi-unit properties may see a higher adjustment, the Council said.
“The removal of rate capping was not a decision taken lightly; however, it was a necessary step,” it stated.
“While capping has helped soften the impact of increasing land valuations over time, it has also shifted the true rating liability away from the benefitted property and onto others.
“This means properties not subject to rate capping have effectively been subsidising those that are.”
Council has also implemented a 30% rate cap for properties categorised as sugar cane, forestry and other rural land, providing greater certainty where valuation increases have been significant.
Visit https://www.hinchinbrook.qld.gov.au/our-council/corporate-publications-and-reports/ for more information.
