Meeting today’s challenges and building for the future

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.

The Budget builds on last year’s focus to strengthen Council’s financial position by reducing debt, and providing greater flexibility to respond to unforeseen events, emerging priorities and future opportunities.

Cairns Mayor Amy Eden said the $785.6 million Budget strikes a careful balance between affordability, responsible financial management and planning for growth.

“With our population projected to increase by more than 72,000 people by 2050, the need for sensible and sustainable financial management has never been more important,” Cr Eden said.

“This Budget is about meeting today’s challenges while continuing to build for the future.

“Last year, Council committed to reducing debt and improving our long-term financial sustainability, and this Budget continues that approach.

“This aligns with Council’s long-term target of maintaining a 3% operating surplus to ensure we have the flexibility to respond to financial pressures and continue investing in essential infrastructure and services.

“Reducing our reliance on debt puts Council in a stronger position to manage unexpected costs, including inflationary pressures and rising operational expenses, while continuing to deliver for our community.

“As responsible financial custodians, we have carefully reviewed expenditure to ensure projects are necessary, timely and aligned with the needs of our growing region.

“Our capital works program focuses on essential infrastructure, resilience and maintaining the lifestyle that makes Cairns such a great place to live.”

The $308 million capital expenditure includes more than $136.6 million for water infrastructure, including the Cairns Water Security Stage 1 project and reservoir remediation works.

The program also includes $33 million for wastewater infrastructure, $10.8 million for waste management, $34.5 million for the transport network and $18.8 million for disaster recovery works.

Council will also continue investing in projects that enhance the beauty and liveability of our region, with $30.3 million committed to community spaces, more than double this year’s forecast.

The budget for our community spaces includes more than $4.7 million towards new footpaths to improve safety and connectivity, while the Esplanade, Lagoon, parks, public toilets and sporting facilities will benefit from a combined investment of $18 million, helping create more welcoming spaces for both residents and visitors.

Council will continue to support the local economy with a commitment of $1.6 million towards attracting events to the region, alongside an ongoing $3.6 million contribution to Tourism Tropical North Queensland (TTNQ).

Rates and charges

General property rates will increase by 3.95%.

Including water and waste utility charges (and the State Waste Levy) the total annual increase for a median residential property is expected to be around 7.5%, or approximately $283 per year for median ratepayers.

Cr Eden acknowledged that any increase in household costs would be felt by the community but said Council had worked hard to keep increases as low as possible while maintaining essential services.

“We understand cost-of-living pressures are affecting many households – pressures which are also impacting Council operations – which is why we have taken a measured and responsible approach to this Budget,” she said.

“The general rate increase is in line with inflation; however, some utility-related costs have risen more significantly due to factors largely outside Council’s control.

“These include increases in externally provided kerbside collection costs, the State Government’s landfill levy and the operational costs associated with delivering the Cairns Water Security Stage 1 (CWSS1) project.

“Despite these pressures, Council remains committed to identifying efficiencies and delivering value for money for our ratepayers.”

The waste management charge will increase by 20.3%, reflecting higher kerbside collection costs and the introduction of the $45 State waste levy.

Reflecting additional costs associated with the operation of CWSS1, water access charges will increase by 10.7% (increase of $45.70 for residential charges and $45.20 for commercial charges). Residential water usage charges will increase by 18c/kl (9.6%), while commercial usage charges will increase by 19c/kl (9.7%).

Sewerage access charges will increase by 3.95% with residential charges to increase by $39.20 and commercial charges to increase by $33.50.

The increases reflect the rising cost of delivering services and maintaining infrastructure during a period of sustained inflation and increasing operational costs.

Changes to parking

Council is making changes to parking in the CBD to support better parking availability, turnover of street parking, encourage the use of all-day parking facilities, support local traders, and help maintain the city’s parking infrastructure.

The changes represent the first significant adjustment to parking fees since 2024 and reflect the rising costs of maintaining the city’s parking network.

This includes a change to the hourly rate for on street parking, which will increase by 20c to $2.40 per hour from 1 July, while all-day parking at Hartley Street and Cairns Performing Arts Centre (CPAC) carparks will be capped at $6.

All-day parking at the Grafton Street carpark will be capped at $6.50.

There are no changes to rates at Lake Street car park – $1.50 per hour, capped at $10 for all day parking.

Centre median parking remains free, but a two-hour time limit will apply to all centre parking from 8.30am to 6pm weekdays, and 8.30am to 2pm on Saturdays.

Council remains committed to ongoing efficiency improvements and will continue identifying savings and operational improvements to minimise future impacts on ratepayers.