Townsville City Council budget 2025/26 explained

Wondering what the council is prioritising this financial year? Here’s what you need to know.

Keeping on top of mowing is a priority for the council. Picture: Evan Morgan

Townsville City Council has adopted its 2025/26 budget, with the community’s leaders saying it is charting a clear path for the growing city, prioritising responsible financial management that shows an improved financial position and returning to surplus earlier than previously forecast.

Some ratepayers the city could experience a rate increase, if their land values have gone up, and some short-term accommodation providers will feel the pinch of a new rate category.

Here’s what else is in the budget this financial year.

Fiona Wilkinson’s family home in Currajong was transformed into a sewage-filled disaster zone during the flash flooding in February. Picture: Natasha Emeck

Maintaining core services

Townsville City Council maintains over $9bn worth of assets which includes extensive road networks, water and waste infrastructure.

The total capital investment is $352.2m dollars across those three areas.

The council is investing $3m in the wastewater network, with plans to reline and repair sewer mains and $2m in treatment plant renewal works in addition to scheduled maintenance.

This comes after significant sewerage and sewage issues during the monsoon that hit the region in the first quarter of this year.

This year the council has moved away from an annual capital investment plan to a rolling three-year capital plan.

“This change allows for smarter scheduling, reduces bottlenecks and provides flexibility in forward-planning based on emerging needs and community benefit,” said Acting Mayor Ann-Maree Greaney.

“Wet-season and recovery works can often mean our capital works program faces delays, this three-year program will enable our team to better plan and execute jobs across the city.”

$233.6m has been allocated to maintaining and building on the council’s road and transport network, which includes 600km of footpaths and 1800km of roads.

Long grass around Townsville following cyclones and wet weather. Picture: Evan Morgan

Future ready city

The council is using innovation and strategic partnerships are set to drive greater efficiencies and create better value from every dollar spent in the budget and operational plan.

That innovation will invest in artificial intelligence and sensor technologies to streamline operations across aquatic safety, animal management and public facility optimism.

“Like everyone, over the last 12 months we’ve really had to tighten our belt and figure out how to more with less, ensuring residents aren’t footing the entire bill for growth by unlocking investment from industry, government and research,” Cr Greaney said.

“We’re focusing on sustainable innovation that reduces costs and builds capacity, prioritising initiatives with clear cost saving outcomes.

Aerial photograph of a suburban housing development in Townsville, Australia.

Supporting safety, community connection and culture

Having boulders put around Currajong Park isn’t the only community safety measure in the budget.

Adding to the $5.3m that is being invested in security and surveillance, $2.4m is being dedicated to lifeguard services at beaches, lagoons and water parks year round.

The council is also investing in Townsville’s active transport network along with parks and open spaces, as well as continuing to prioritise the revitalisation of the city centre while actively incentivising housing across the city.

Cr Greaney said it was building on the success of recent years, the council would be continuing their city activation and housing incentives policies which includes initiatives such as waiving infrastructure charges for mum-and-dad investors to encourage infill housing.

“We understand the pressures our community is facing around housing availability, which is why we’re taking proactive steps to unlock new infill housing opportunities and accelerate the approvals process doing everything we can to support sustainable growth,” she said.

Originally published as Townsville City Council budget 2025/26 explained