30 May 2025
Southern Downs Regional Council’s 2025/26 Draft Budget reflects a responsible and community-focused plan to ensure every dollar is invested where it matters most, while also delivering essential services, local infrastructure and regional growth for a stronger, more vibrant community.
Following two weeks of open community information sessions across the region, the draft budget is now open for public feedback and proposes significant investments in the following priority areas:
• Delivering ongoing flood recovery works
• Maintaining and upgrading local roads
• Renewing ageing infrastructure
• Enhancing sustainable water use
• Upgrading community facilities
Southern Downs Mayor Melissa Hamilton said the draft budget delivers a balanced and strategic response to community needs and rising costs, ensuring resources are directed where they’ll benefit the community most.
“This budget is about building resilience, improving liveability and ensuring our region continues to thrive,” Mayor Hamilton said.
"The recent open community information sessions were invaluable, and gave us direct insight into the priorities and concerns of our residents to help us build a more responsible and community-focused budget.”
Despite rising operational costs, Council has delivered a carefully considered draft budget that continues to invest in core services while keeping the rate increase modest. Cost pressures include a 10 per cent rise in insurance premiums, a 7 per cent increase in electricity charges, and a 7 per cent rise in depreciation costs, along with a 6 per cent increase in software and licensing expenses.
“For residential households, the median rate increase will be approximately $2.05 per week, modest when compared to the Queensland average,” Mayor Hamilton said.
“Our aim is to continue delivering essential services and infrastructure while being mindful of cost-of-living pressures faced by households across the region.”
The draft also delivers a $43.4 million capital works program, funding more than 100 infrastructure projects across the region, including roadworks, water, wastewater, waste, and upgrades to council and community facilities.
Key Capital Works highlights include:
• $5.2M: Flood Recovery Works
• $3.27M: Road Maintenance including resealing rehabilitation, resheeting and drainage upgrades
• $1.5M: Leslie Dam Raw Water Pipeline
• $1.5M: Smart Water Meters
• $1M: Warwick Wastewater Treatment Plant
• $1.2M: McEvoy Rising Main Renewal
• $1.2M: Playground, Park Furniture and Cemetery
• $1.9M: WIRAC Filtration System
• $795K: Warwick Saleyards Redevelopment (Stage 4)
• $875K: Waste Upgrade Projects
The 2025/26 Draft Budget is now open for public submissions. For more information and to make a submission, please visit:
https://www.sdrc.qld.gov.au/living-here/have-your-say/2025-26-budget. Submissions close 9:00am on Monday 9 June 2025.
Last edited date 30 May 2025