Burdekin Council Locks in $106.9M Budget for ‘Sustainable Growth’

Burdekin Shire Councillors John Furnell (back-left), Max Musumeci (back-centre), Callan Oar (back-right), Fina Vasta (front-left) and Michael Detenon (front-right) with Mayor Dalle Cort (front-centre) at the conclusion of the 2026/27 budget meeting. Missing: Councillor Amanda Hall. Photo credit: Jacob Casha

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Burdekin Shire Council has handed down a $106.9 million budget for 2026/27, introducing a 1.5 per cent general rate rise to fund major upgrades to roads, drainage, and water infrastructure.

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The “Sustainable Growth, Security Tomorrow” budget allocates $36.2 million for capital works and $70.7 million for operational activities.

While waste services rates will remain steady, residents face a 3 per cent increase in water access charges and a 6 per cent hike in sewerage charges to fund the ongoing delivery of high-quality services.

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Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort said the budget adopts a practical, forward-looking approach that balances financial pressures on households with the need to maintain essential services.

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“Sustainable Growth, Security Tomorrow is about investing in the infrastructure our community needs now while preparing for the future,” Mayor Dalle Cort said.

“We understand the financial pressures many households are facing, and this Budget has been carefully planned to balance those pressures with the need to continue delivering essential services.”

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More than $24.6 million will flow directly into the region's transport and flood mitigation networks. Key projects include a $5 million road and kerb reconstruction at the Ayr Industrial Estate, a $2.8 million upgrade to Upper Haughton Road, and a $1.15 million sealing project on Thompson Road.

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The drainage network will also receive a major boost in the form of $3.6 million Ayr Town Drain improvements and a $1.6 million drainage upgrade at Wickham Street Anzac Park.

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Mayor Dalle Cort said strengthening these networks is critical to the local economy and agricultural productivity.

“Our road and drainage networks are essential to the functioning of our community and economy,” she said.

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“This year’s program focuses on strengthening infrastructure, improving flood resilience and supporting future growth across the Shire, while also supporting local industry and agricultural productivity through improved access and freight reliability.”

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Essential water and sewer services comprise another major pillar of the budget. Council has allocated $1.96 million specifically for sewerage infrastructure upgrades alongside significant drinking water investments.

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Major water utility projects include the $1.5 million South Ayr Water Treatment upgrade, a $1.2 million pipeline augmentation in Home Hill, and a $1 million sewer relining and manhole rehabilitation project.

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“While often out of sight, these services play a vital role in our community, from supporting public health to protecting the environment and ensuring everything runs safely and reliably,” Mayor Dalle Cort said.

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Community liveability and lifestyle projects will progress under the budget, backed by state and federal funding programs. Notable allocations include $1.2 million for the Home Hill Swimming Pool upgrades, $500,000 for the Burdekin Be-Active Trail, and $440,000 for the Plantation Park Nature Based Play Area carpark.

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