24 June 2024
The community’s vision for the Southern Downs is the driving force behind Council’s 2026/27 Budget adopted today.
Southern Downs Mayor Melissa Hamilton said the $127 million budget focuses on responsible financial management and delivering the basics well.
“This budget is about making sure Southern Downs continues to be a great place to live where people feel confident about the future,” Mayor Hamilton said.
“Our community told us what matters most to them, and as a Council, we’ve listened.”
During the past year, residents were at the heart of an extensive engagement process, the largest in Council’s history, and identified clear priorities, including safe and connected communities; reliable infrastructure; a liveable region; responsible financial management and a strong local economy.
“This budget invests in the services and infrastructure people rely on every day, and every dollar we spend is about supporting our community,” Mayor Hamilton said.
Key highlights from Council’s investments in the 2026/27 Budget include:
$41.4 million in in capital projects and programs, including essential roads, water and wastewater infrastructure to deliver reliable services across the region
$500,000 to strengthen community connection and resilience, including improved customer service and disaster preparedness initiatives
$1.5 million to enhance liveability, delivering more connected footpaths, increased shade in playgrounds and upgrades to parks, gardens and open spaces
$355,000 to support economic growth, through tourism development initiatives and initiatives under the Economic Development Strategy and Events Strategy
“From the roads we travel to the parks we gather in, these investments are about building a stronger and more connected community,” Mayor Hamilton said.
Mayor Hamilton acknowledged the ongoing cost pressures facing both Council and the community and said the Budget strikes a considered balance between affordability and long-term sustainability.
“We’ve worked hard to keep increases as low as possible and we’re focused on making sure every dollar is working as hard as possible for our community,” she said.
For most owner-occupiers, general rates will increase by a median of 3.5 per cent, or approximately $1 to $4.80 per week, below the current rate of inflation. The increase to most fees and charges has also been limited to 3.5 per cent.
A non-principal place of residence category has also been introduced, applying to properties such as holiday homes and rentals, with most affected ratepayers paying an additional $5.90 to $9.50 per week.
“Investment properties are different from family homes as they generate income for their owners, and many associated costs such as rates are tax deductible. This policy is about ensuring a fairer balance between different groups of ratepayers, recognising the commercial nature of these assets, and helping to keep more of the region’s revenue within the community,” Mayor Hamilton said.
Long-term water security remains a top priority for Council and this budget, with a $12 million investment in critical water infrastructure.
In 2023, a price path for water and wastewater was adopted to move to a full user pays system. The current Council is continuing that pathway with water utility charges increasing by 9.25 per cent. The price path finishes in mid-2028.
For a typical family of four consuming 200kL of water per year, the change represents around $127 annually or approximately $2.44 per week. This is higher than the current average residential consumption of 115kL, meaning many households may see a smaller increase.
Mayor Hamilton also thanked residents and the Council team for their dedication and commitment to shaping the Budget.
“We have a beautiful region and a passionate community, and this budget is about ensuring the Southern Downs remains a place we’re all proud to call home,” Mayor Hamilton said.
Support options remain available for eligible residents experiencing financial hardship and Council encourages anyone needing assistance to get in touch to confidentially discuss options.
Highlights from Council’s Capital Program:
• dam safety upgrades to Connolly and Storm King dams
• $3M for Council roadworks fleet vehicles
• $4M for Disaster Recovery Works
Allora
• $1M for Pony Club Road
• $300K for new pedestrian crossings and footpaths
• accessibility upgrades to Allora pool
• renewal of water mains
Dalveen
• upgrade UV treatment system
• renewal of water mains
Killarney
• $1.2M for water treatment ponds remediation works
• $60K design for Arbutus Street reconstruction
• renewal of water mains
Northern Villages
• $250K Inverramsay Road widening
Stanthorpe and Granite Belt
• $600K for Mt Tully Road safety improvement
• $500K for Pierpoint Street rehabilitation
• upgrade water treatment process
Wallangarra
• renewal of water mains
Warwick
• $2.4M for McEvoy Street mains gravity system
• construction of the Rosehill Road shared pathway
• design and construction of the new Cox Bridge on Victoria Street
• upgrade of water and sewerage equipment
• renewal of water mains
Western Villages
• $250K Leyburn stormwater improvement program
• renewal of water mains in Leyburn and Pratten
• upgrade UV treatment system in Pratten
View the 2026-2027 Budget and Operational Plan Materials:
Last edited date 24 Jun 2026