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.

Illustration showing where Council spends every $100 of rates revenue

Last Updated: 22 June 2026

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