Connecting the CBD and river plus critical infrastructure upgrades are highlights in a Bundaberg Regional Council budget which continues its journey to financial security.
Mayor Helen Blackburn said in delivering the 2026 – 2027 budget some tough decisions had been made to balance the needs of the community against limiting rates increases.
She said the result was that Council was continuing to head in the right direction.
“This is a responsible budget which recognises the cost of living impacts on ratepayers and on the services Council delivers while also ensuring that we do not lose the positive momentum we have achieved in the last two years,” Mayor Blackburn said.
“We are still working to correct imbalances which have been created by ups and downs in rates increases.
“We have gone from projecting a decade of budget deficits to forecasting surpluses.
“However, we are by no means at our target for true financial sustainability because the type of financial repair we need to achieve is a long and complex journey.
“What that means is that we’re keeping our community on course to remain viable into the future. This isn’t a budget for today, it’s a budget for the security of the future, particularly based on the significant growth that we have seen.
“Our goal is to introduce stability and predictability into the Council rating process so that our community can rely on our Long Term Financial Planning and we can have the most transparent process possible.”
Mayor Blackburn said despite the difficult climate there were many highlights within this year’s budget as Council continued to deliver high quality services and infrastructure.
“We’re focused on delivering the most critical infrastructure upgrades and improvements.
“Our $116.3 million capital budget has gone through a rigorous prioritisation process to ensure we’re delivering the best value for money and the highest possible community benefit.
“Key projects like the Childers Wastewater Treatment Plant upgrade and Elliott Heads Growth Precinct sewer rising and water mains will remain a focus to ensure that we’re maintaining appropriate standards and planning for growth and housing availability.
“Across our core services of our roads, pathways and stormwater networks, rubbish, water and wastewater we’re investing $97.3 million within our capital budget.
“But we’re also investing in increased vibrancy and connection for our community as we continue to work with all levels of government to enhance Quay Street.
“Our vibrant street vision for Quay Street will see significant amenity and connectivity improvements made to better balance vehicle and pedestrian movements and further support our plans for the revitalisation of the CBD.”
Mayor Blackburn said Council was continuing to advocate for funding from other levels of government to reduce the burden on the Bundaberg Region community for critical infrastructure.
“This includes infrastructure which will support the current housing crisis and flood mitigation.
“Our current advocacy priorities for flood mitigation include flood gates and a temporary levee which could be strategically placed to reduce floor level inundation ahead of a forecast flood event.”
Other budget highlights include:
- Motorists: A more than $47 million investment in the roads and transport network will improve safety and flood resilience and respond to growth.
- Lifestyle: Council has created a Destination Event attraction budget to secure high level events of community interest or economic benefit within the region. Health and recreation opportunities will abound with investment in additional pathways and, subject to a pending grant application, the replacement of the athletics facility track.
- Family and kids: Funds will be invested in upgrading shade structures at playgrounds across the region and literacy programs will continue at the region’s libraries in Bundaberg, Childers and Gin Gin.
- Business: Support will continue for the Safe Spaces, Thriving Places campaign to reclaim the vibrancy of the Bundaberg CBD with investment in CCTV upgrades and revitalisation and activation opportunities featured in the budget alongside the Quay Street vibrant street project.
- Community: grant funding support will continue with more than $900,000 invested across Council’s various grant programs and disability compliance improvements will be made at community halls in Woodgate, Elliott Heads and Waterloo.
Council’s 2026 – 2027 budget document and associated resources can be found here.
