Your rates at work: 2025/26 Budget open for community engagement

12 May 2025 |

Southern Downs Regional Council is preparing the 2025/26 Budget and invites residents to attend local community information sessions to take a closer look at how their rates will be invested to shape a more vibrant and stronger future for our region.

Southern Downs Mayor, Melissa Hamilton, said the community information sessions are an opportunity for residents to better understand how valuable ratepayer money is spent, to ask questions of Councillors and Council staff, and to provide general feedback that will help inform future priorities.

“From essential infrastructure to recreation areas to community services, every rate dollar is allocated to deliver value to our residents,” Mayor Hamilton.

“The 2025/26 Budget needs to reflect Council’s commitment to maintaining the facilities and services our community needs and values, while making strategic investments to support long-term growth.

“Council values the community’s input and these community information sessions also give residents the opportunity to engage directly with Council, ask questions and understand the numbers behind the budget.

“Council’s Executive Leadership Team will also be on hand at these sessions to explain the key priorities that will be addressed in the 2025/26 Budget and how funding decisions are made.

“Understanding what matters most to our residents will help Council prioritise decisions for future budgets.”

Community Engagement Details

Saturday 17 May

10am-12pm, Stanthorpe Anglican Church Hall, 2 Corundum Street

2pm-3.30pm, Wallangarra School of Arts Hall, Merinda Street

Friday 23 May

9am-10.30am, Leyburn QCWA Hall, 89 McIntrye Street

12pm-1.30pm, Allora RSL, 22 Warwick Street

3pm-4.30pm, Maryvale Community Hall, 33 Taylor Street

Saturday 24 May

10am-12pm, Warwick Town Hall, 72 Palmerin Street

2pm-3.30pm, Killarney Senior Citizens Centre, 11 Ailanthus Street

 

Please visit https://www.sdrc.qld.gov.au/living-here/have-your-say/2025-26-budget for more information. Community engagement is now open and closes 11.59pm Monday 26 May 2025.


Last edited date 12 May 2025