Douglas Shire Council has adopted its 2025-2026 Budget, setting a clear course toward financial sustainability while continuing to invest in essential services and critical infrastructure for the community.
As part of a three-year sustainability strategy, the budget includes a general rate increase of approximately $2 per week for owner-occupiers and $3 per week for investors.
Mayor Lisa Scomazzon said the increase reflects Council’s commitment to prudent financial management in the face of rising costs and historical operating deficits.
“This budget is about continuing to deliver the services our community relies on every day and doing so within the parameters established by the State Government’s sustainability benchmarks which are applicable to all Queensland councils,” Mayor Scomazzon said.
“The non-negotiable services expected by our community to provide clean drinking water, collect rubbish weekly, maintain safe roads, and keep our libraries, pools, and community facilities open, we must respond to the increasing costs of supplies, services, and infrastructure.”
Douglas Shire Council is currently operating with a $915,600 deficit, but under the new sustainability strategy, it is on track to return to an operating surplus by 2027-2028, 5 years ahead of previous forecast of 2032/2033 FY, paving the way to affordable and sustainable service delivery for our community.
“We are still operating in the shadow of Cyclone Jasper, which placed significant pressure on our resources and infrastructure,” Mayor Scomazzon said.“This budget ensures we continue to invest in a more resilient essential infrastructure network including roads, water and wastewater”
“This budget is also about teamwork, the collaboration that exists between the community and Council. The community should not, and is not, shouldering all the burden in the face of rising costs.
“We are committed to maintaining the high standard of services our community expects, even as we navigate financial challenges.”
The 2025-2026 Budget reflects Council’s focus on sustainability, resilience, and responsible governance—ensuring Douglas Shire remains a vibrant, liveable, and connected community for years to come.
