25 June 2025
With a strong focus on core infrastructure and community wellbeing, Southern Downs Regional Council’s 2025/26 Budget delivers $18.9 million for roads, $5.9 million for community facility upgrades, $12.4 million for essential water infrastructure plus a significant investment towards economic and regional development.
Southern Downs Regional Council has officially adopted its 2025/26 Budget, locking in strategic investments that align with the community’s future-focused goals and support the region’s long-term sustainability.
At the Special Council Meeting on Wednesday 25 June 2025, Southern Downs Mayor Melissa Hamilton said she presented the budget on behalf of the 38,000 people who call the Southern Downs home.
“I want to ensure that we can protect what we all love about the Southern Downs¬—our lifestyle, beautiful nature, prime agricultural land and the best wineries in Queensland, while attracting new business, workers and families,” Mayor Hamilton said.
“I’m proud to present a budget that invests in the future of our region, champions community wellbeing and continues to build a thriving community.
“This budget is a responsible financial plan that invests in liveability and infrastructure and that continues to deliver our services.
“We will continue to seek State and Federal grant funding and other contributions to help lower the cost of delivering essential services, new projects and reliable infrastructure.
“I would like to thank all of the members of our community who attended the open budget information sessions and provided submissions on the draft budget. We have listened to what matters most to you: greater investments in our roads, better community facilities, reliable water infrastructure, and investment in economic development, tourism and events.
“Our roads keep us connected and drive our productivity and were your number one priority. We are investing $18.9 million into our road network—a significant increase from last year’s $11.8 million.”
Road Network Investment
• $435,000 Emu Creek Road Scour and Recovery Works
• $553,000 Allora Drive and Forde Street Rehabilitation Works
• $1.15M Oak Avenue Storm Water Construction, Warwick
• $787,800 for Goomburra Road Rehabilitation and Widening
“The spaces where community can come together is what makes a region more liveable. We’ve committed $1.2 million to upgrade parks and playgrounds and $1.9 million on the WIRAC filtration system,” Mayor Hamilton added.
“Agriculture is the backbone of our economy, and we have allocated $795,000 for Stage 4 of the Warwick Saleyards Redevelopment. Through carefully listening to our stakeholders, the Saleyards are going from strength to strength, and this continued investment reflects the opportunity for the region with the closure of the Toowoomba Saleyards.
“Water is our most valuable resource, and we’re investing $12.4 million into water supply security, water treatment and wastewater infrastructure this year.”
Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Investment
• $1.2M McEvoy Rising Main Renewal
• $750,000 Relining of Sewer Mains
• $1.5M Leslie Dam Water Pipeline to Warwick
• $1.5M Smart Water Meters
“In the year ahead, we will continue to support some of Queensland’s best and unique events like Jumpers and Jazz in July, the Historic Leyburn Sprints, the Apple and Grape Harvest Festival and the Warwick Rodeo. Events like these showcase our region and bring thousands of visitors and tourists to the region, boosting our tourism revenue,” Mayor Hamilton said.
“Council has allocated $165,000 in events funding and in community grants to empower local community groups in our region.
“We have kept the rate increases as low as we can to deliver key services, capital projects and essential new infrastructure. Any lower would have required cuts to the services that Council delivers, and right across the region you told us that you did not want to see cuts.
“Like any business Council has been faced with increases in our expenditure. More than 90% of our Council expenses have increased by more than 7%, including the cost of building materials, insurance and electricity, and software licence fees are up 6%.
“Unlike other levels of government, Council must account for the depreciation of our $1.1 billion in assets, which will cost Council nearly $27 million in the next financial year.
“To help smooth the rate increase, Council has kept capping for nine categories.
“Council will also continue to offer a 7.5% discount on rates paid by their due date.
“We want to assure the community that we will continue to look at how we deliver services, to seek greater efficiencies and make every dollar count.
“This budget invests in the future of the region that we all love. It sets us up to grow and become a thriving and attractive region for the benefit of our whole community.”
Download the 2025/26 Budget Pack - Information and Resources
2025/26 Budget Pack:
Click or tap here to download the 2025/26 Budget Statement (PDF 8MB)
Click or tap here to download the 2025/26 Revenue Statement (PDF 1020.8KB)
Click or tap here to download the 2025/26 Schedule of Fees and Charges (PDF 3.1MB)
Other helpful resources:
Click or tap here to download the 2025/26 Budget Fact Sheets (PDF 6.9MB)
Last edited date 01 Jul 2025