Budget Summary
Council's 2026/27 Budget is focused where it matters most - on delivering essential services, maintaining and renewing critical infrastructure, and continuing to support strong, connected communities across the region.
The $324.3 million Budget balances day-to-day service delivery with long-term investment, including $116.6 million allocated to 122 capital projects that will strengthen our roads, facilities, and community assets. A further $207.7 million in operating expenditure ensures Council can continue providing the services our communities rely on every day, from waste and water to parks, community programs, and customer services.
Together, this investment ensures Council can meet current needs while planning for the future growth and sustainability of the Western Downs.
For the year ahead, this is how every $100 will be spent:
Mindful of cost-of-living pressures, rate increases have been carefully balanced to ensure Council can continue delivering essential services, infrastructure, and community projects across the region.
The average rates increase across all categories is 7.16%, with residential properties increasing by an average of 7.44% - around $1.46 per week for the average household. Industrial properties will see an average increase of 7.81%, while agricultural industries will increase by an average of 9.82%.
Utility charges have been adjusted to reflect the real cost of service delivery, with water charges increasing by 7%, waste and wastewater by 3.5%, and gas charges by 14.2% following a new supply contract. Water services alone cost Council approximately $19.6 million each year to deliver safely and reliably.
To support a fairer system, Council is moving to a clearer user-pays approach by removing the 5% discount on utility charges, reducing cross-subsidisation across services. The 5% discount on general rates will continue for ratepayers who pay on time and we will continue to match the State Government's Rates Subsidy Scheme, offering qualifying pensioners a 20% rebate on eligible services.
In developing Council's budget, a number of factors have been considered including:
Water, wastewater, and gas
Council will invest more than $13.5 million in water, wastewater, and treatment infrastructure this year, while continuing to advocate to State and Federal Governments for long-term water security solutions to support the region’s future growth.
Key projects include:
- continuation of the Dalby Water Supply Upgrade;
- raising of the Condamine Weir;
- Wandoan Sewerage Treatment Plant effluent irrigation; and
- Bell Racecourse bore investigation for the safe use of water.
These investments will strengthen the region’s water resilience while Council continues to advocate to State and Federal Governments for long-term water security solutions.
Investing in our roads
An investment of more than $26 million in roads, stormwater, and transport projects will support the ongoing maintenance of safe and reliable local road networks across the Western Downs.
Strong transport connections are critical to keeping communities connected and supporting economic growth, particularly across a region as large and diverse as ours.
Council will also continue to advocate to State and Federal Governments to deliver improved investment in key regional routes, including:
- the more than 1,800 kilometres of State-controlled roads;
- the Warrego Highway, our region's most critical east-west freight corridor; and
- upgrades to improve the safety and reliability of key freight routes.
This combined focus on local investment and strong advocacy will help ensure road networks remain fit for purpose now and into the future.
Community facilities
A $15.9 million investment will deliver upgrades to key community and regional facilities across the Western Downs.
This includes improvements to showgrounds, swimming pools, saleyards, civic centres, community halls, and sporting facilities - ensuring our infrastructure remains modern, accessible and fit for purpose.
Key projects include:
- Dalby Saleyards improvements;
- Tara Showgrounds internal road upgrade design;
- Dalby Showgrounds drainage works;
- Chinchilla Aquatic Precinct (planning and site preparation); and
- Wandoan Aquatic Centre remediation.
These investments will support long-term access to quality community facilities and enhance liveability across the region.
Parks and open spaces
A $5.96 million investment in Parks and Recreation will enhance open spaces and community amenities across the Western Downs, supporting active, healthy, and connected communities.
Key projects include:
- upgrades at Chinaman’s Lagoon in Miles; and
- completion of Thomas Jack Park upgrades in Dalby, including a new water play area.
These improvements will create more inviting spaces for residents and visitors to enjoy and connect.
Community development, activation, and events
A $35.4 million investment in community development will activate communities and create vibrant, welcoming spaces across the Western Downs including a new regional public art project and construction works for Dalby's new cultural centre.
Council will also continue support for community grants and local initiatives, empowering local groups to deliver projects that matter most to our communities. Further investment in arts, culture, and creative initiatives include:
- museums and galleries funding;
- regional artists’ exhibitions;
- Dogwood Crossing exhibitions and public programs;
- Empire Youth Arts performing arts classes;
- Queensland Ballet school and community programs;
- Meandarra ANZAC Memorial Museum operations; and
- exhibition development for Dogwood Crossing’s 25th anniversary.
These initiatives help strengthen community connection, support local talent, and showcase the Western Downs as a vibrant and creative region.
Destination events and tourism
We will invest in major regional events that celebrate the region’s unique identity and support tourism, local businesses, and regional growth, including:
- Chinchilla Melon Festival;
- Tara Festival of Culture and Camel Races; and
- Words Out West Readers and Writers Festival.