Budget focuses on the basics – roads, water and liveability
Fraser Coast Regional Council’s 2025/26 budget focuses on the basics – better roads, reliable water and sewerage networks, and improved parks, pools and public spaces to maintain our community’s lifestyle while meeting the demands of growth.
Fraser Coast Mayor George Seymour said Council was working hard to provide the services and infrastructure the community needs, while managing higher costs and keeping the budget on track.
“Like households and businesses, Council is feeling the pressure of rising costs, with some expenses increasing much faster than inflation,” Cr Seymour said.
“For example, over the past five years, the cost of gravel has gone up by 62 per cent, earthworks by 100 per cent, and footpath replacements by 58 per cent.
“On top of that, Council is receiving less support from other levels of government, with a funding formula change grouping Fraser Coast in with large city councils. That shift has cut our financial assistance by more than $5 million over the past three years.
“The Queensland Government is also progressively removing its waste tax rebate for our community, which will mean Council is required to pass on $1 million in extra charges in 2025/26 and more than $22 million over the next six years.
“It’s especially tough when you consider that, for every dollar of tax collected in Australia, local councils receive just three cents - compared to 17 cents for state governments and 80 cents for the Federal Government.
“Even with these challenges, Council is focused on running essential services well, looking after infrastructure, and supporting our growing population.
“While Council expects to collect about $4.5 million in rates from new properties in 2025/26, the cost to deliver services and infrastructure to those areas is more than $7.2 million.
“Growth brings opportunity, but it also brings demands - which is why Council is also reviewing how we plan, fund and support future development across the region.”
Cr Seymour said Council’s total budget for 2025/26 is $527 million, including $198 million in capital works.
“Council has 55 different rating categories, so the changes to rates bills vary from property to property,” he said.
“We’re continuing to provide a $12 million subsidy for more than 32,000 residents by maintaining the residential rates cap, helping reduce the impact of last year’s sharp increase in land valuations.
“For most households, the increase to the total bill - including general rates, levies and utility charges - will be between $6 and $9 a week.
“Council is forecasting a $4.4 million deficit in 2025/26 to help manage rising costs and ease the burden on households, while charting a responsible path back to surplus within two years.
“Every dollar Council spends is an investment back into the community – whether it’s providing a safer road, a better park, or essential water and waste services.
“Council is committed to strategic growth and liveability. We want the Fraser Coast to remain a region where older residents can age comfortably, and younger generations see a bright future to live, work and raise families.
“Our capital works program ranges from multi-million dollar upgrades to essential infrastructure like the Burgowan Water Treatment Plant and Walker Street in Maryborough, to local improvements such as a new playground in Glenwood and footpath renewals in Granville.
“We’re making every dollar count - investing wisely to keep our region moving forward.”
Key highlights of Council’s 2025/26 budget include:
- $180 million for water, waste and sewerage;
- $128 million for roads, bridges, footpaths, coastal protection, and drainage;
- $89 million for economic development, tourism and major projects;
- $40 million for parks, pools, playgrounds and cemeteries; and
- $15 million for arts and cultural facilities.
Council will also continue to support local community groups and those doing it tough through grants and concessions, valued at about $8.5 million.
More information is available at www.frasercoast.qld.gov.au/budget