Sensible 2025-26 Budget Adopted for Mareeba Shire
The 2025-26 budget was handed down at the Mareeba Shire Council meeting today.
Mareeba Shire Mayor Angela Toppin said that the budget was a considered and sensible approach, with a focus on securing critical assets and services while maintaining the lifestyle of the Shire.
“We know times are tough – cost of living and inflation were front of mind this year when we were deliberating this budget. The rate increase will be a modest 3% which is lower than many local Councils across Queensland.
This is an average increase of $2.29 per week for residential urban properties.
The reality is that as the cost of goods and services rises, we must either adjust our rates accordingly or risk a decline in the quality of the services we provide,” explained Mayor Toppin.
The 2025-26 budget includes an operating spend of $58.5 million which covers the day-to-day operations of Council.
From maintaining parks and operating libraries and community halls, to managing the airport and everything in between — the operating budget keeps our community services running efficiently.
The Capital budget this year is $25.7 million which will go towards projects across the Shire.
Transport will receive the largest contribution from the capital budget, with $17.2 million going towards road upgrades. This includes bitumen sealing and grading across the Shire and significant works for Leadingham Creek Road, Dimbulah and Fassio Road, Mareeba.
Water infrastructure has been allocated $2.7 million and wastewater will receive $2.4 million. This will include upgrades to water mains, sewer mains, manhole replacements and works to treatment plants.
“In the 2025-26 budget, the work for the Mareeba CBD Blueprint project will be ramping up following extensive community consultation. The project is going to deliver construction ready designs and plans to address stormwater drainage issues, carparking, accessibility for people walking and cycling, public toilets and amenities such as shade, seating, lighting and night-time activation,” said Mayor Toppin.
The Facilities capital budget has been allocated $1.5 million which will include a refurbishment of the amenities at Centenary Park in Kuranda, a new septic system at Julatten Geraghty Park, roof works at the Mareeba gymnasium and works at Dimbulah and Kuranda Aquatic Centres.
Council is proud to support the community through $2.94 million in cost savings. This includes $2.07 million of prompt payment discounts, $405 thousand in pensioner concessions and an investment of $465 thousand towards the Community Partnership Program to support not-for-profit community organisations and events throughout the Shire.
With a relatively small ratepayer base, Council depends on funding from both State and Federal governments.
“Council acknowledges support received through the State Government’s Works for Queensland grant, the Federal Local Roads and Community Infrastructure grant and jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements – all of which have enabled us to deliver a wide range of projects and essential repairs,” concluded Mayor Toppin.
The full budget can be accessed here: Budgets – Mareeba Shire Council
ENDS