Burdekin 2025/26 Budget: 1.5 per cent increase to general rates
The Burdekin Shire Council have opted to raise rates and charges this year to cover the cost of running the region. See how much extra you’ll be paying.
Townsville
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Residents in the Burdekin will be paying more in rates, water and sewage this year, with the council saying it needs to balance affordability with service delivery.
Burdekin Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort revealed the council had limited the increase as cost of living pressures bear down across the region.
“This measured approach reflects council’s commitment to easing financial strain on our community and ensuring the sustainability of vital local services and Infrastructure,” she said.
Water access charges are set to increase by three per cent, waste service charges by five per cent and sewage charges to increase by eight per cent.
“Recognising that every dollar counts, this budget strikes a balance between affordability and the continued delivery of core services our residents rely on everyday,” Ms Dalle Cort said.
The capital program in the budget is $46.6m dollars, which the mayor said was aimed at strengthening the foundations of the growing region.
The South Ayr Water Filtration Plant and South Ayr Bore are both set to be completed this financial year, with state funding of $24.3m dollars being allocated.
Having the filtration plant and the bore finished will secure the region’s long-term water supply in Ayr, Brandon and Alva communities.
This project has been years in the making after PFAS contamination was revealed in the Ayr and Brandon water supply.
Road and drainage networks have received a significant portion of the budget, with $14.4m dollars allocated for a range of projects across the region.
In the works, two million dollars has been set aside for Hughes Road, and $1.35m will be for the restoration of damaged sections of Bahr Road.
“Our road network is the backbone of our community connecting people to work, school, services, and each other,” Mayor Dalle Cort said.
“Acknowledging the impact of recent weather events, read repairs will continue over the next 12 months as part of the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangement programs.”
The council budget can be viewed here.
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Originally published as Burdekin 2025/26 Budget: 1.5 per cent increase to general rates
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