Douglas Shire Council has handed down a 2026–27 Budget that focuses on securing the shire’s water future, supporting sustainable tourism growth and strengthening financial sustainability, while protecting ratepayers from sharp increases driven by inflation and rising costs.
There will be a general rate increase of less than $1.55 per week or $81 per year for almost two‑thirds of all residential owner‑occupiers, with most investment properties rising by around $2.25 per week and commercial properties by about $3.35 per week.
Mayor Lisa Scomazzon said the budget reflected the reality of rising costs across the country.
“Every household and business is feeling the impact of higher prices and Council is no different,” Mayor Scomazzon said.
“We’ve worked hard to keep this budget as fair and steady as possible while still delivering the essential services our community relies on.”
Council has changed several rating policies to create a fairer system, with more properties contributing at the same level and fewer sharp variations between categories.
Mayor Scomazzon said the organisation is continuing to improve its financial position moving forward.
“Last year we were forecasting a $915,000 deficit. This year that figure has reduced to a deficit of around $600,000 and we are on track to balance the budget in 2027–28,” she said.
“We are bringing the deficit down each year because you can’t live beyond your means. Council must be financially viable so we can keep delivering for our community, and we’re doing that with less reliance on rate increases to ease the burden on residents and ratepayers.”
Despite significant increases in land valuations across the shire, Council has taken steps to ensure those rises are not passed directly onto ratepayers.
The Mayor said inflation was having a major impact on Council’s costs, particularly in a regional setting.
“Bitumen is up around 50 per cent, diesel is up 30 per cent, waste contracts have risen, and unlike households, Council does not qualify for electricity rebates,” she said.
“These pressures are real, and they affect the cost of maintaining roads, collecting waste, running facilities and keeping our services operating safely.”
As part of the broader 2026–27 Budget, Council is also progressing its long‑term priorities of securing the shire’s water future, supporting sustainable tourism growth (through ongoing financial support of Tourism Port Douglas Daintree) and strengthening financial sustainability. These priorities guide the decisions and investments across this year’s budget and reflect the needs and expectations of the community.
A key part of supporting economic development is ensuring the shire is ready for future industry opportunities. The Queensland Government’s $300,000 investment in Council’s scoping study for the Port Douglas Marine Industry Precinct is an important step toward creating a world‑class facility for vessel maintenance and marine services — a project with strong potential to diversify the local economy and support skilled jobs.
At the same time, Council is undertaking a planning scheme review to help guide the future of the local economy. As traditional industries such as sugar cane decline, the review will focus on identifying new agricultural opportunities, supporting emerging industries and enabling sustainable, well-planned growth, while maintaining the character of the Douglas Shire.
Council is also looking ahead to the completion of the new four-lane Daintree Ferry. Currently under construction in Port Macquarie, the project will deliver a more reliable connection to the Daintree, reduce wait times and improve access for residents and visitors, enhancing both liveability and the tourism experience.
Mayor Scomazzon said the budget aims to strike the right balance between affordability and long‑term responsibility.
“This budget is about being financially sustainable now and reducing pressure on ratepayers in the years ahead,” she said.
- 2026–27 Budget – What it means for you
- 62% of residential ratepayers had an increase of $81 or less
- 78% of investor ratepayers had an increase of $117 or less
- 66% of commercial ratepayers had an increase of $174 or less
- These pillars are reflected in the cost of providing essential services listed below:
- $70m to deliver roads and transport services and assets — including the Daintree Ferry, bridges, unsealed rural roads, urban streets, drainage, footpaths, cycleways, bus shelters, street lighting, and kerb and channel
- $49m to deliver water security, produce water for residents, and maintain the water network
- $38m to deliver community services and assets — including halls, parks, outdoor spaces, events that support economic development, foreshores, beaches, Mossman Swimming Pool, Port Douglas Splash Park, cemeteries and the library
- $15m to deliver sewer services and ensure wastewater is treated and disposed of safely
- $9m to deliver resource management services including collecting residents’ bins.
- $4m to deliver Development and Compliance services to promote sustainable economic development and keep our community safe.
