Council reduce operating deficit to $1.5 million and project 2026/2027 return to balance

The Maranoa Regional Council say their new budget has put them on track to break even by the next financial year while ensuring rate rises don’t impact financially struggling families.

Aquatic facilities, sports centre upgrades, parks and road repairs are among some of the key investments in the Maranoa Regional Council’s 2025/2026 budget which is forecast to return council to balance next financial year.

The $131.7 million budget includes a works program of $91.1 million which features a $24.7 million investment for the construction of the Denise Spencer Aquatic Centre, $40.8 million for Roads and Drainage, $28.1 million for rural roads and $4.5 million for facility upgrades across the region.

It further includes smaller investments into community projects such as $75,000 for a painting at the Cobb and Co Changing Station Museum , $150,000 to replace a large section of roof at the Roma Community Arts Centre, $32,000 to construct a veranda at the Injune Cricket Clubhouse and $48,000 for a hit up wall at the Wallumbilla Tennis Courts.

Maranoa residents can expect to pay a 5 per cent increase in the rates to residential properties and a 15 per cent increase to commercial and industrial properties.

The rate increase will equate to an extra $46 paid per year or $3.87 per month.

By comparison the Toowoomba region faced a rate hike of $240 a year on average, or about $4.50 per week.

Maranoa Regional Council’s Wendy Taylor said they were mindful of the cost-of-living pressures were implementing rate rises.

“We are very mindful of the cost-of-living pressures that continue to challenge families right across the region,” Mayor Wendy Taylor said in a press release.

“But by staying the course on our financial strategy, we’ve positioned Council to deliver a balanced budget next year – earlier than anticipated – while continuing to invest across the region.

“We’ve focused on transparency and consistency – ensuring no surprises for our community.”

Mayor Taylor said Council had reduced the deficit forecast in last year’s budget by $2.3 million down to $1.5 million.

“Last year we promised to get Council’s financial position back on track and we’ve followed through,” she said in a press release.

“The review of materials and services expenditure has helped us achieve significant savings without compromising service delivery.

“Balancing the budget is essential to long-term sustainability. It puts us in a stronger position to invest in the infrastructure and services our communities rely on.”

Ms Taylor said the budget catered to all people living in the Maranoa region.

“Together, councillors acknowledged the long maintenance backlog and the need for ‘quick wins’ in areas important to local residents,” she said in a press release.

“We’ve funded 37 projects that will improve local facilities and public spaces – enhancing liveability across the region.”