Budget
Cairns Regional Council's 2026/27 Budget was handed down at a Special (Budget) Meeting on Wednesday 17 June 2026.
- $786M total budget
- $308M capital works budget
- 3.95% general rate rise + water and waste utility charges and State Waste Levy (7.5% total rate rise)
- $41.6M to service and maintain community assets
Investing in safe, resilient, connected communities
Cairns’ residents will benefit from a significant investment of $36.4 million in community infrastructure, active travel, recreation facilities and public spaces as part of Council's 2026/27 Budget.
Backing tourism, events and sporting activities
Targeted investments designed to attract visitors, support events and promote sporting activities are key component of Council’s 2026/27 Budget.
Changes to city parking
Cairns Regional Council is introducing a series of updates to CBD parking arrangements from 1 July designed to improve bay availability, support local traders, and help maintain the city’s parking infrastructure.
Budget meets today’s challenges
Council has adopted its 2026/27 Budget, delivering a plan that responds to current challenges while continuing to invest in the region’s future and maintain the services and infrastructure the community relies on.
Councillors' 2026/27 Budget addresses
Comments from each of the nine Divisional Councillors on the 2026-27 Budget.
Mayor's 2026/27 Budget address
This Budget provides for the delivery of essential services, investment in important infrastructure and continued progress towards a more financially sustainable future.
What this Budget means for you
Every $100 of your rates is invested in important services and infrastructure.
Last Updated: 22 June 2026
Latest News > All News
Discover your future at the Council Careers Fair
Residents interested in exploring career opportunities in local government are invited to attend Cairns Regional Council's Careers Fair on Wednesday...
21 July 2026
Council analyses Queensland State Budget
Long-term Council priorities were among projects included in over $1.1 billion of funding announced for Cairns in the recent Queensland...
16 July 2026
Climate Strategy and Energy Policy updated
Cairns Regional Council has completed a mid-term update of its Climate Change Strategy 2030, reflecting significant progress achieved since the...
15 July 2026