Townsville City Council has adopted its 2026–27 Budget, delivering a responsible approach to global economic pressures while ensuring the city continues to function and move forward.
The Budget has been developed against a backdrop of rising fuel costs, inflation and supply chain pressures impacting households, businesses and local government alike.
Mayor Nick Dametto said Council’s focus is clear – to keep Townsville moving through steady leadership and responsible decision-making.
“In uncertain global conditions, our priority is making sure the city continues to function, supporting our services, infrastructure and local economy to operate as expected,” Cr Dametto said.
Council is experiencing significant increases in operating expenses, particularly fuel costs, which directly affect service delivery.
“Fuel and supply chain impacts are driving cost pressures across the board, with commodity prices up around 15–25 per cent, along with higher delivery and input costs,” Cr Dametto said.
In response, the Budget includes targeted efficiencies and careful prioritisation to maintain services while keeping costs as low as possible for residents.
“This Budget reflects a measured approach, maintaining momentum while responding to rising costs in a disciplined way,” he said.
Council’s strengthened financial position has provided the stability to plan confidently, avoid reactive cuts and respond to current pressures without compromising long-term sustainability.
“It ensures Townsville continues to operate with momentum while positioning us to respond to future challenges and opportunities.”
Council has identified around $16 million in savings and efficiencies to help offset rising fuel and supply chain costs and reduce the overall impact on ratepayers.
“We understand the pressure households are under, and we are acutely aware of how any increase will impact residents,” Cr Dametto said.
“Not every decision in this Budget will be popular, but they are necessary to keep the city operating and to maintain the everyday services our community relies on – roads, water, waste collection, parks and public spaces, the basics people expect to just work, and that’s exactly what this Budget protects.”
To support ongoing service delivery, Council will implement a considered combination of rate adjustments and selected fee changes, with residential owner-occupiers facing an average increase of 6.8 per cent, or around $5.48 per week.
“Increases are required to maintain the services our community relies on, and they have been carefully set to minimise the impact on residents,” Cr Dametto said.
The budget delivers more than $17 million in direct community support, including $4.7 million in early payment discounts, $6.4 million in pensioner concessions and $6.4 million for charities, not-for-profits and community organisations.
“This support is designed to ease cost pressures for households while helping community organisations continue their important work.
“Importantly, we’ve deliberately kept Townsville’s residential water, sewerage and waste charges lower than comparable councils, helping to ease cost-of-living pressures for households.
“I’m pleased to also announce Council is bringing back free tip vouchers, putting choice and cost-of-living relief back in the hands of residents.
“Together, these measures deliver a disciplined approach to balancing the books, with a clear focus on getting back to basics and protecting the services our community relies on.”
The Budget includes:
- Total budget $1 billion
- Capital Investment $415.5 million
- $16 million targeted savings and efficiencies
- An average 6.8% increase in rates and utility charges ($5.48 per week)
- Continued 20% rates capping for impacted residential properties (25/26 Land Valuations)
- $4.7 million in early payment discounts, maintained at 5% of general rates for principal place of residence
- $6.4 million in pensioner concessions
- $6.4 million in concessions for charities, not-for-profits and community organisations
Visit our Budget 2026/27 page for more details.
