Cairns Regional Council has adopted a $785.6 million Budget for 2026–27, locking in major investment across water security, transport upgrades and community infrastructure, alongside a 3.95% general rates rise.
The Budget meeting wasn’t without drama, with Mayor Amy Eden noting that a February councillor workshop — held without her — influenced which projects made the final cut. Division 7 councillor Anna Middleton said the Mayor chose not to attend those pre‑budget discussions.
Council says the new Budget is designed to meet immediate financial pressures while preparing for long‑term growth, with Cairns expected to welcome more than 72,000 new residents by 2050. Mayor Eden said the plan continues Council’s push to reduce debt, strengthen financial sustainability and maintain flexibility in the face of inflation and rising operational costs.
The Budget includes a $308 million capital works program, with $136.6 million for water infrastructure, $33 million for wastewater, $10.8 million for waste management, $34.5 million for transport projects and $18.8 million for disaster recovery works. A further $30.3 million will go towards improving community spaces, including new footpaths and upgrades to the Esplanade, Lagoon, parks and sporting facilities. Council will also continue supporting the local economy through event attraction funding and its contribution to Tourism Tropical North Queensland.
Rates and utility charges will rise, with the total annual increase for a median residential property estimated at around 7.5%, or roughly $283. Mayor Eden said Council had worked to keep increases as low as possible but noted that higher kerbside collection costs, the State Government’s landfill levy and the operational demands of the Cairns Water Security Stage 1 project had pushed some charges higher. Waste management charges will increase by 20.3%, water access charges by 10.7% and sewerage access charges by 3.95%.
Parking changes will also take effect from 1 July, with on‑street parking rising to $2.40 per hour and capped all‑day rates introduced at several CBD carparks. Centre‑median parking will remain free but will now have a two‑hour limit on weekdays and Saturday mornings. Council says the changes are designed to improve turnover, support local businesses and help maintain the city’s parking infrastructure.
Council maintains it will continue to pursue efficiencies and operational savings to minimise future impacts on ratepayers while ensuring essential services and infrastructure keep pace with a growing region.
