BALONNE Shire Council has kept rate increases to 4 per cent – below the consumer prices index.
Talking up Council’s 2026-27 budget, Mayor Samantha O’Toole says it strikes a balance between service delivery and minimising stress on ratepayers.
“This year’s budget aligns with our 32 services, which clearly outline Council’s revenue and expenditure in each category,” Cr O’Toole says.
Total operating revenue for is forecast at $42.517 million with just over $26 million coming from grants and external funding sources.
The balance of Council’s revenue, about $13.7 million, will come from rates and utilities charges.
There is a net operating deficit of around $2.3 million but with capital revenue of over $5.4 million, the net result is a $3.1 million surplus.
The budget includes almost $20 million in capital works projects and just over $7 million in operational projects.
Council’s roads network, connecting various parts of the Balonne Shire, has been allocated about $7 million.
As for Council charges, rates are up 4 per cent (before discount) and there is 15% hike in waste charges.
Balonne’s decision to keep rates sub-CPI follows a similar outcome for ratepayers in Barcoo.
PHOTO: Mayor Cr Samantha O’Toole chairing a meeting of the Balonne Shire Council.
POSTED: Tuesday, July 14, 2026