General News
5 June, 2025
Draft Budget Submissions Close Soon
Southern Downs Regional Council has prepared its 2025/26 Draft Budget following two weeks of open community information sessions across the region.
The draft budget is open for public feedback and Council proposes significant investments in these priority areas:
Delivering ongoing flood recovery works
Maintaining and upgrading local roads
Renewing ageing infrastructure
Enhancing sustainable water use
Upgrading community facilities
Southern Downs Mayor Melissa Hamilton said the draft budget delivers a balanced and strategic response to community needs and rising costs, ensuring resources are directed where they’ll benefit the community most.
“The recent open community information sessions were invaluable, and gave us direct insight into the priorities and concerns of our residents to help us build a more responsible and community-focused budget.” Mayor Hamilton said.
Despite rising operational costs, SDRC says it has delivered a carefully considered draft budget that continues to invest in core services while keeping the rate increase modest.
Cost pressures include a 10 per cent rise in insurance premiums, a 7 per cent increase in electricity charges, and a 7 per cent rise in depreciation costs, along with a 6 per cent increase in software and licensing expenses.
“For residential house-holds, the median rate increase will be approximately $2.05 per week, modest when compared to the Queensland average,” Mayor Hamilton said.
“Our aim is to continue delivering essential services and infrastructure while being mindful of cost-of-living pressures faced by households across the region.”
The draft also delivers a $43.4 million capital works program, funding more than 100 infrastructure projects across the region, including roadworks, water, wastewater, waste, and upgrades to council and community facilities.
Key Capital Works highlights include:
$5.2M: Flood Recovery Works
$3.27M: Road Maintenance including resealing rehabilitation, resheeting and drainage upgrades
$1.5M: Leslie Dam Raw Water Pipeline
$1.5M: Smart Water Meters
$1M: Warwick Wastewater Treatment Plant
$1.2M: McEvoy Rising Main Renewal
$1.2M: Playground, Park Furniture and Cemetery
$1.9M: WIRAC Filtration System
$795K: Warwick Saleyards Redevelopment (Stage 4)
$875K: Waste Upgrade Projects
For more information and to make a submission visit: https://www.sdrc.qld.gov.au/living-here/have-your-say/2025-26-budget.
Submissions close at 9am on Monday 9th June 2025.
