Budget Adopted for 2026–2027
Tablelands Regional Council’s annual budget and operational plan were adopted at yesterday’s Ordinary Council Meeting, and both the Acting Mayor and CEO spoke of the of importance of planning for the future when developing this budget.
‘The iconic Tablelands region continues to grow, with more than 28,000 people now calling our region home. Spanning more than 11,400 square kilometres and 13,852 rateable properties, Council delivers 42 services that support communities across our region,’ said Acting Mayor Dave Bilney during his budget speech.
‘Our economy remains strong and diverse, underpinned by agriculture and primary production, while health services, construction, tourism and small business continue to contribute significantly to local employment and economic activity.
‘Since COVID, the Tablelands has experienced steady population growth averaging around 2 per cent per annum, increasing to approximately 2.5 per cent over the past 12 months. This high level of growth reflects the appeal of our region’s lifestyle, natural environment, affordability and economic opportunities. Development applications and approvals continue to indicate this trend will remain strong into the future.
‘With growth comes responsibility. Council’s role extends far beyond what many people see daily. Across the Tablelands, we manage an extensive network of infrastructure and community assets that are critical to the wellbeing of our residents and the prosperity of our region.
‘Council maintains 1,884 kilometres of its own roads as well as over 300 kilometres of State roads, 98 bridges, 115 major culverts, 74 kilometres of footpaths and 295 kilometres of kerb and channel.
‘We provide water services to 14 communities through 7 water treatment plants, 41 reservoirs, and 17 booster pump stations.
‘We also operate 5 wastewater treatment plants, 32 sewer pump stations, and maintain 178 kilometres of sewer mains.
‘Beyond essential infrastructure, Council manages 8 waste and recycling transfer stations, 9 cemeteries, 7 libraries, 5 visitor information centres, and 3 galleries, while delivering services that support our communities every day.
‘When considering this Budget, it is important to understand the scale of Council’s responsibilities and the significant investment required to maintain assets and services for current and future generations.
‘Over the past year, Council has embarked on a comprehensive asset review and divestment program. These have not always been easy conversations; however, they are necessary conversations if we are to be financially sustainable and continue delivering critical infrastructure into the future.
‘I am pleased to report that Council’s financial position is now stronger due to actions taken during this term of Council. The Queensland Audit Office has identified Tablelands Regional Council as one of only 17 of Queensland’s 77 local governments assessed as financially sustainable. This achievement reflects the commitment of Council and staff to responsible financial management, sound decision-making, and long-term planning.
‘Importantly, while Council remains focused on delivering essential infrastructure, we also continue to invest in projects that enhance the liveability and attractiveness of our communities.
Significant investment continues in projects such as the Priors Creek Precinct, the Millaa Millaa Falls Precinct Improvement Plan, the Battery Park Precinct in Herberton and upgrades to Dines Park in Mount Garnet.
‘The 2026/27 Budget represents a significant investment in our region and our future.
‘The breadth of Council’s responsibilities is reflected in how every rate dollar is invested back into our communities.
‘For every $100 collected in General Rates, Council invests approximately, $47 in roads, bridges, footpaths and drainage, $19 in community and corporate facilities and $34 in Council and Community Services
‘This demonstrates this term of Council’s commitment to ensuring it can meet its near future infrastructure replacement costs; maintaining the essential infrastructure we have while continuing to support the services and facilities that contribute to the liveability of our region.
‘The 2026/27 Operating Budget totals $93.9 million and will support the delivery of essential services across the Tablelands, including:
- $28.5 million for roads, bridges, footpaths and drainage infrastructure;
- $15.1 million for water services;
- $11.8 million for community and corporate facilities;
- $9.9 million for waste management services;
- $7.7 million for wastewater services;
- $5.0 million for parks, gardens and precincts; and
- $2.2 million for community services.
‘These investments ensure Council can continue delivering the services our residents rely upon every day while maintaining the assets that support our region’s growth and prosperity.
‘The 2026/27 Capital Works Program totals $68.1 million and represents the most progressive capital investment program undertaken by this Council.
‘This includes:
- $31.2 million for flood recovery and restoration works on our road network;
- $11.5 million for roads, bridges, footpaths and drainage infrastructure;
- $8.3 million for wastewater infrastructure;
- $6.0 million for parks, gardens and community precincts;
- $3.7 million for water infrastructure improvements; and
- $3.5 million for community and corporate facilities.
‘These projects will improve the resilience of our infrastructure, support future growth, and enhance the quality of life for residents across the region.
‘In total, the 2026/27 Budget delivers approximately $162 million in operating and capital expenditure, including depreciation funding that supports Council’s ongoing asset renewal program. This represents the largest budget ever adopted by Tablelands Regional Council and has been significantly enhanced through $53.6 million in State and Federal Government funding, the majority of which has been secured for disaster recovery and flood restoration works across the region. This Budget balances investment in essential infrastructure with the ongoing delivery of high-quality services to our communities. It continues this Council’s commitment to improving roads and footpaths, maintaining critical infrastructure, supporting community facilities and ensuring the Tablelands remains a great place to live, work, invest and visit.
‘To deliver these outcomes, the average increase in General Rate revenue from residential, farming and grazing properties will be 5.9 per cent. For the average urban residential property, this equates to approximately $1.77 per week.
‘Council recognises the cost-of-living pressures being experienced by households and businesses, and we have worked diligently to strike a balance between affordability and the need to maintain and improve the infrastructure and services our communities expect.
‘A key principle underpinning this Budget is fairness and equity.
‘Council has carefully considered the allocation of costs across rating categories to ensure that the burden of funding services and infrastructure is shared as equitably as possible across our diverse communities. Council remains committed to a transparent and equitable rating system that reflects the services provided for the benefit of the community.
‘Importantly, Council continues to reinvest significantly back into the community through grants, subsidies, and rate concessions.
‘In 2026/27, Council will provide approximately $1.356 million in direct support to the community through grants, subsidies, and concessions. This represents approximately 3.67 per cent of Council’s General Rate revenue being returned directly to residents, community organisations and groups.
‘These initiatives support pensioners, sporting clubs, volunteers, community organisations, and not-for-profit groups that play a vital role in maintaining the social fabric of our region.
‘Council recognises that many households and organisations continue to experience financial pressures. These concessions and support programs demonstrate our commitment to ensuring assistance is directed where it is needed most while continuing to foster strong, connected and resilient communities throughout the Tablelands.
‘This Budget is not simply about maintaining infrastructure and delivering services. It is also about supporting the people and organisations that make the Tablelands a great place to live, work, and raise a family.
As we look to the future, this Budget is about more than roads, pipes and buildings. It is about ensuring future generations inherit a region that is prosperous, connected and resilient. It is about supporting our farmers, businesses, community organisations and residents while continuing to invest in the infrastructure that underpins future growth.
‘Above all, this Budget reflects Council’s commitment to responsible financial management, long-term sustainability and delivering value for our communities across the Tablelands.
Before concluding, I would like to acknowledge the significant contribution of our Chief Executive Officer, Executive Leadership Team, and staff in preparing this Budget. I thank the Finance Team, led by our Manager Finance, for their professionalism, expertise, and dedication throughout the budget development process.
‘I also thank my fellow Councillors for their thoughtful consideration, critical review and commitment to achieving the best possible outcomes for our community throughout our intensive budget preparation sessions and deliberations with staff. Your willingness to focus on the long-term sustainability of our organisation and the future prosperity of our communities is to be commended.
‘I acknowledge and thank the Mayor for his contribution to the development of this Budget prior to the health challenges that have resulted in his current leave of absence. The Mayor played an important role in shaping the strategic direction and priorities reflected in this Budget, and I know I speak on behalf of all Councillors when I wish him a continued recovery and look forward to his return.
‘Some decisions have been challenging; but the difficult decisions we made last budget have prepared us with a strong foundation to meet our challenges, and this budget will further build on our improved financial position.
In echoing Acting Mayor Bilney’s messages, CEO Do Nikola Stepanov spoke about the robust budget development process.
‘Among the most important responsibilities of a local government Chief Executive Officer is ensuring that Council is financially sustainable, and that public resources are managed effectively, efficiently, and responsibly with a focus on continual improvement.
‘In a period of ongoing economic challenges and cost-of-living pressures, this budget remains focused on delivering essential services, maintaining critical infrastructure, investing in our future, and ensuring the long-term financial sustainability of our Council with an operating surplus achieved for each year of our 10-year plan.
‘This budget has been developed through a collaborative process involving all councillors and the management team, as well as expert external assistance.
‘By working together, Council has developed a budget that prioritises critical infrastructure, supports strategic objectives, and maintains services at a level the community can afford. It continues the work of delivering value for ratepayers while building on, and preserving, financial sustainability for current and future generations.
‘Part of the work we have been doing over this past year and following the new valuations is reviewing the rating categories to ensure more equitable treatment. There is still some work to go for example, ensuring equity within the different residential sub-categories; and this work will continue with the budgets that follow.
‘The Operational Plan accompanying this budget provides a clear framework for delivering Council’s strategic priorities. A strong focus continues on responsible asset management, promoting community wellbeing including through parks, active transport routes and shared community spaces, and supporting a strong local economy through tourism, economic development, and investment in our region.
‘It also supports the planning needed to house our expanding population and secure greater employment and prosperity across the region.
‘As well, Council continues to provide significant support to more than 150 community groups through community project grants, subsidising operational costs with favourable leases and licenses, providing concessions, and in many cases maintaining facilities and funding utilities like electricity and water.
‘Responsible financial management often involves difficult and unpopular decisions. This past year was Council’s most challenging budget as we brought a forecast 10-year Capital Works Program of $530 million onto our 10-year Long Term Financial Plan. However, we squarely addressed our challenges, and will deliver an operating surplus, considerably improving Council’s financial position.
‘The 2026-27 budget builds on the hard work and difficult decisions made by Council and staff over the past year. Today’s decisions do not place an unreasonable burden on current and future generations. They also help ensure that Council remains well-positioned to respond to future opportunities and challenges.
‘External funding remains critical to Council’s long-term financial sustainability. Many major infrastructure and community projects exceed what can reasonably be funded through rating revenue alone, so Council will continue to advocate strongly to State and Federal Governments for investment in our region.
‘While no budget can meet every expectation, this budget represents a genuine effort to make meaningful improvements, deliver essential services, and create positive outcomes for our community while preparing us to meet our future infrastructure costs.
‘It reflects the hard work of Councillors and staff who have worked collaboratively to develop a budget for 2026-27 that balances competing priorities while remaining focused on the long-term interests of our region.
‘On a final note, I would like to sincerely thank the Mayor, Councillors and staff for their collaborative efforts in developing this year’s budget. Through constructive discussion and a shared commitment to our community, we have delivered a responsible and carefully considered budget that continues to build on the positive results achieved this year,’ Dr Stepanov said.
