Lockyer Valley Regional Council has today adopted a controlled and considered 2026-27 Budget.
Lockyer Valley Mayor, Cr Tanya Milligan said this year’s Budget focused on minimising the impact on households, while still delivering the core services and infrastructure the community relies on.
“This is a responsible and well-balanced Budget that recognises many in the community are doing it tough,” she said.
“It reflects Council’s commitment to financial sustainability and continuing to invest in the infrastructure projects, renewals and services the community needs, while also planning for our future.
“Households, businesses, local government – we’re all in the same boat - and this is a practical Budget that focuses on the basics amid significant cost pressures.”
In a snapshot, the $117.3M Budget provides a $31.73M capital program and $85.57M in operational expenditure. The capital program will fund 101 projects including $21M on renewal works, $1.74M on new capital projects and $8.99M on infrastructure upgrades. Council is forecasting a modest operating surplus of $0.82M and remains debt-free.
“We have worked hard to deliver a below-inflation general rate rise of 4.24 per cent (averaged across all rating categories). Combined with levies, this equates to $3.21 per week ($166.92 per year) for the average residential owner-occupier,” Mayor Milligan said.
“This is lower than many South East Queensland councils and shows a strong commitment from Councillors to keeping rates as low as possible for our community.”
When handing down the Budget today, Mayor Milligan said it focused heavily on maintaining and improving Council’s existing assets—particularly roads and essential infrastructure.
“Across capital and operational works, almost $52M, or about 44 per cent of the total Budget is being invested in roads, bridges and drainage, ensuring these assets remain safe and reliable for everyday use,” she said.
“Roads and essential infrastructure continue to be our biggest priority, because that’s what matters most to our community.
“Our capital program will deliver more than 100 projects, with works taking place right across the region, providing visible, tangible outcomes for our residents.
“We’re also planning ahead, progressing designs for future projects, including generational infrastructure such as the Laidley Flood Mitigation Project and Lockyer Valley and Somerset Water Security Scheme.
“Growth management is also high on our agenda, and we are planning now for the extra 24,000 people who are projected to call our region home by 2046.”
Mayor Milligan said Council remained committed to being transparent about the impacts of external cost rises, especially in the waste space.
“Our Waste Collection and Waste Management Charges have increased by 16.5 per cent to align with the State Government-required Full Cost Pricing model, while most of our other fees have a base increase of 3.5 per cent, in line with the Queensland council cost index,” she said.
“The State Government’s Waste Levy continues to jump each year and at the same time it is reducing the offset, which pushes ever-increasing costs onto councils and their communities.
“We are advocating to help ease this burden, and we continue to apply for and advocate for more State and Federal government funding for significant projects and initiatives that simply can’t be funded by ratepayers alone.”
Council has retained its pensioner discount and discount for people who pay their rates in full by the due date.
“That said, we understand how difficult it is for some families, and we urge anyone facing financial hardship to contact our friendly Customer Experience team early on to discuss a manageable repayment plan,” Mayor Milligan said.
“This Budget builds on Council’s proud track record of responsible financial management, of consistently operating within our Budget, and of keeping rate increases low - all the while delivering the services our vibrant community needs to grow and prosper.”
To read the 2026-27 Budget and Operational Plan in full, visit www.lockyervalley.qld.gov.au/budget
