What’s happening?
Toowoomba Regional Council has handed down its 2026/27 Budget, with a focus on core services, infrastructure and long-term financial stability.
The Budget has been framed around the rising cost of delivering local government services, while keeping affordability in view for households and businesses.
Council says the plan is designed to support the Region now, while preparing for future infrastructure needs across water, roads, transport, waste and community facilities.
The Budget also delivers a modest surplus, which Council says will help sustain services and build resilience during uncertain economic conditions.
Why it matters?
Mayor Geoff McDonald said Council had taken a careful approach to the financial plan, as residents continue to face cost-of-living pressure.
“This is a Budget for today’s priorities and tomorrow’s opportunities,” Mayor McDonald said.
“We know households and businesses are continuing to face cost-of-living pressures and Council has taken a disciplined and measured approach to every decision in this Budget.
“At the same time, the cost of delivering essential services continues to rise, from electricity, and uncertainty around fuel and insurance through to construction materials and major infrastructure. This Budget responds to those realities while protecting the long-term financial strength of our Region.”
The Budget includes both everyday service delivery and longer-term works that will shape how the Region grows.
“The Toowoomba Region is where ambition meets opportunity and this Budget supports both. It backs our community today while continuing to invest in a strong, connected and sustainable future,” he said.
Local Impact
For ratepayers, the 2026/27 Budget includes a base general rate rise of 6.9 per cent.
For a City Urban Residential A property, that equals about $2.38 per week after discounts are factored in.
Council will keep the 5 per cent pay-on-time discount for residential ratepayers.
Pensioner support has also been retained. Eligible pensioner households will continue to receive a $120 yearly rebate for general rates.
A further $70 yearly rebate for water infrastructure charges will also remain for eligible pensioner households.
Mayor McDonald said the support measures were important for residents who need extra help.
“We have worked hard to balance affordability with the need to maintain essential services, invest in critical infrastructure and secure our long-term sustainability,” Mayor McDonald said.
“We also recognise some members of our community need additional support, which is why discounts and rebates remain available for eligible residents, including pensioners.”
Council has also confirmed there will be no increase to the Public Transport Levy, Waste Facilities and Landfill Rehabilitation Levy, or Waste Collection Service.
By the Numbers
- The Budget totals $728 million, including $492 million for operational spending and $236 million for capital projects.
- The base general rate rise is 6.9 per cent, equal to about $2.38 per week for a City Urban Residential A property after discounts.
- Pensioner rebates will support about 11,000 households for general rates and about 10,000 households for water infrastructure charges.
Zoom In
Water security remains a major focus in the Budget, with $81.4 million allocated to the Cressbrook Dam Safety Improvement Project.
The project will raise the dam wall and widen the ungated spillway. Council says this will improve flood resilience and water security.
Mayor McDonald said several other water and wastewater projects would also move forward in 2026/27.
“Council will also progress the Perseverance Raw Water Main Renewal, the Cooby Dam inlet pipe replacement program, the Four Communities Project connecting Cambooya, Greenmount, Nobby and Clifton to a new Water Treatment Plant at Greenmount,” he said.
“Major water and wastewater investments also include a new reservoir on Harch Road in Highfields, a new sewer pump station and mains on Kuhls Road, upgrades to the Glenvale Reservoir Water Main, Pittsworth water supply infrastructure and Yarraman Water Treatment Plant, and ongoing work through the Water Main Renewal Program.”
Capital spending across the Region also includes $40.98 million for water, $12.5 million for wastewater and $14.94 million for waste services.
Community Services and Facilities will receive $9.06 million, while Parks and Recreation will receive $18.7 million.
Business Operations will receive $17.6 million.
Zoom Out
Transport and roads are another major part of the Budget, with $40.89 million allocated to roads, drainage, footpaths and bikeways.
Mayor McDonald said the size of the Region’s road network made continued investment important.
“With one of the longest road networks of any local government in Queensland, we understand how important it is to keep improving our roads while also supporting better public transport options.
“There will be no increase to the Public Transport in the 2026/27 Budget. The levy will continue to support safer and more accessible bus stop infrastructure, new trial services for regional communities, weekend FlexiLink trials and a weekday-bus service trial in other parts of the Region.
“The State Government’s recent long-term funding commitment will further strengthen these efforts, enabling Council to expand and enhance public transport initiatives across the Region.”
Road investments include upgrading Clifton Pittsworth Road between Leslie Bridge Road and Toowoomba Karara Road from single lane to double lane.
Council will also continue the Highfields Road, OBrien Road and Kratzke Road intersection upgrade.
Region-wide renewal programs for footpaths, resheeting and resealing will also continue.
On waste charges, Council said residents had avoided an increase this financial year after State Government changes to the waste levy zone.
Council was moved from the metropolitan waste levy zone to the regional waste levy zone.
“Without this change, Council would have needed to increase waste charges to recover an additional $3 million in this budget to offset the State Government’s Waste Disposal Levy,” Mayor McDonald said.
“We will always be strong advocates for our community and we appreciate the State Government taking action to assist.
“These measures, coupled with the ongoing commitment of Council staff in delivering for our community, have assisted in ensuring we deliver a Budget that is focused on today’s priorities and tomorrow’s opportunities.”
What To Look For Next?
In the year ahead, the Budget will move from figures on paper to work across the Region.
Residents are likely to see continued progress on Cressbrook Dam, local water renewals, road upgrades and transport trials.
The unchanged waste charges and retained rebates should also give households some certainty during the 2026/27 financial year.
Council says more information on the Budget is available at www.tr.qld.gov.au/budget.
