Items of Interest – Special Council Meeting, 15 July 2026

Mareeba Shire Council Budget 2026/27

Mareeba Shire Council’s 2026/27 budget was handed down at a Special Council Meeting on 15 July 2026.

Mareeba Shire Mayor Angela Toppin said the budget reflects Council’s commitment to responsible financial management while continuing to invest in the essential infrastructure and services the community relies on every day.

“The budget prioritises maintaining our roads, water and wastewater networks, community facilities and public spaces, while ensuring Council remains financially sustainable in a challenging economic environment,” said Mayor Toppin.

“Our community understands the impact of inflation and rising costs, and Council faces these very same pressures. Every kilometre of road we maintain, every litre of water we treat and every community facility we operate costs more than it did last year.

This budget responds to those pressures through careful prioritisation, ongoing efficiency improvements and continued investment in the infrastructure and services our community depends on,” said Mayor Toppin.

At the same time, updated land valuations issued by the Queensland Government have resulted in significant increases in property values across the Shire. Across Mareeba Shire, the average property value has increased by 43% since 2022, reflecting a region that is growing in confidence, demand and long-term sustainability. While these valuations are outside Council’s control, Council have implemented measures to moderate their impact on ratepayers while continuing to improve efficiency across the organisation.

The average residential property, based on the median valuation, will see an overall increase of 3.6 per cent, or $2.94 per week, in general rates and utility charges. While residential general rates reflect a median increase of 4.5 per cent, individual rate changes will vary according to changes in property valuations.

As a result, some ratepayers will see increases below the median percentage, some will experience higher increases, and others may see a reduction in their general rates due to the measures Council has implemented to moderate the impact of the new land valuations.

Mayor Angela Toppin explained that Council remains committed to supporting the community through pensioner concessions, prompt payment discounts and funding for local organisations and community events.

“These initiatives recognise the important contribution made by our residents, volunteers and community groups to the strength of Mareeba Shire,” said Mayor Toppin.

Council has expanded its payment plan options to better support ratepayers. Eligible ratepayers can choose weekly, fortnightly or monthly payment arrangements, with the repayment period extended by one month. This means outstanding balances can now be paid by 31 January or 31 July, depending on the levy period, helping to ease financial pressure and improve affordability.

Key Budget Priorities

This year’s budget includes operating expenditure of $63.2 million to deliver the services the community expects, together with a capital works program of $17.9 million. Combined with unspent carry overs for multi-year projects budgeted last year, Council will continue to invest significantly in infrastructure across the Shire.

Transport infrastructure is our highest priority. Nearly $40 out of every $100 in rates revenue is invested in maintaining and improving the road network, including resealing, widening and enhancing the safety and reliability of roads and bridges.

Key road projects for 2026/27 include:

• Continued works on Leadingham Creek Road, Dimbulah
• Resealing of Malone Road and Emerald End Road, Mareeba
• Resealing of Bilwon Road, Biboohra
• Resealing of Mutchilba Road, Mutchilba
• Resealing of Tyrconnell Road, Arriga
• Bridge repairs at Kanervo Road, Koah

Council is increasing investment in essential services infrastructure for 2026/27:

• Water infrastructure will see $5.6 million on new and renewal capital works.
• Wastewater will see $4.9 million on new and renewal capital works

These investments will deliver upgrades to water and sewer mains, manhole replacements and improvements to treatment plants across the Shire, including the $19 million major upgrade to the Kuranda Water Treatment Plant with assistance provided by the Australian and Queensland governments through the jointly funded Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.

The Facilities capital budget totals $750 thousand, supporting projects such as:

• Upgrades to the basketball court and facilities at Arnold Park in Mareeba
• Commencement of the Railway Avenue Entrance Precinct Project, improving parking, stormwater, amenities and lighting.

Supporting Our Community

Council is proud to support the community through $2.94 million in cost savings and assistance, including:

• $2.1 million of prompt payment discounts
• $405 thousand in pensioner concessions
• $470 thousand invested in the Community Partnership Program, supporting not-for-profit organisations and community events

Partnerships and External Funding

Partnerships with the Australian and Queensland governments continue to play an important role in delivering essential infrastructure, recovery works and community projects across the Shire that would not otherwise be possible. With a relatively small ratepayer base, Council relies on this funding support to help deliver these outcomes across the Shire.

Council acknowledges the valuable support received through:

• State Government’s Works for Queensland grant
• Australian Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure grant
• Australian and Queensland governments jointly funded Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements

This budget demonstrates Council’s commitment to balancing today’s priorities with tomorrow’s needs. It provides for the continued delivery of quality services, responsible investment in infrastructure and sound financial management to support a growing, confident and sustainable Mareeba Shire.

“I would like to thank my fellow Councillors, the Chief Executive Officer and Council staff for their commitment and professionalism in preparing this budget. I also thank our community for its ongoing support as we continue working together for the future of our Shire,” concluded Mayor Toppin.

ENDS