Hinchinbrook Shire Council delivers budget for renewal 2025
Hinchinbrook residents are facing increases in council rates, charges and utility costs in a new budget that offers some relief for flood-struck community groups.
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Hinchinbrook residents are facing a 4.9 percent increase in council rates, charges and utility costs in a budget that offers some relief for community groups in the wake of the February flood disaster.
Mayor Ramon Jayo, in delivering a no-frills Hinchinbrook Shire Council “budget for renewal” 2025, said residents, businesses and not-for-profit organisations were “doing it tough right now”.
“The reality is (that) costs are rising, infrastructure is ageing and the pressure on councils is increasing,” he said.
“We’ve worked hard to keep rates affordable while still delivering what’s needed – from roads and drainage to parks, waste services and disaster response.”
The overall increases equal an about $4.10 rise per week, with the general rates aspect of the equation accounting for an extra $1.32 a week for about 80 per cent of residential ratepayers.
By way of comparison, Burdekin ratepayers are facing a general rate increase of 1.5 per cent, but with significant utility charge increases.
To ease cost-of-living pressures, the council is offering not-for-profits a total of $323,000 in rates discounts, a continuation of the 20 per cent pensioner rebate (up to $200), alongside the State Government concession, and a 10 per cent rates cap for residential and farming properties.
The budget, adopted Thursday, includes a $7.4m capital works budget – including $1.5 million in joint funding from the Australian and Queensland Governments, for 50 projects.
The projects include $3.3m for roads and drainage and $1.8m for water and sewerage.
The $1m for community and sustainability include Ingham SES building improvements, Forrest Beach bus shelter replacement, Mount Fox campground upgrades, New Ingham Cemetery mausoleum construction and Dungeness marine-access environmental approvals.
Mr Jayo said the council was also renewing its fleet and plant, including equipment for open space maintenance, road and drainage works, and essential machinery and vehicles to allow “more reliable service delivery”.
“The February flood event was a stark reminder that we must build resilience – not just recover, but be better prepared for what comes next.”
He said much of the council’s infrastructure was “aged and in urgent need of attention”.
“This budget is honest about those realities – and focused on practical, long-term solutions.”
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Originally published as Hinchinbrook Shire Council delivers budget for renewal 2025
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