General News
16 July, 2025
Pay more, get more
OWNER-occupiers in the Douglas Shire Council will pay an extra $2.15 a week in rates while investors will pay about $3.23 after the Douglas Shire Council brought down its budget for 2025-26 at a special meeting earlier this month.
General rates have gone up by eight per cent with the average rates bill increasing by $112, from $1396 to $1507. The average investor will pay an extra $168, from $1470 to $1638.
The council has revealed a significant $134 million capital works program, much of it focused on post Cyclone Jasper recovery works.
Douglas Shire Mayor Lisa Scomazzon said the budget reflected “our commitment to prudent financial management, community resilience and sustainable growth”.
“We are planning for a return to surplus by 2027–2028, five years ahead of schedule,” she said.
“While we are budgeting for an operating deficit of just over $915,000, this budget sets a responsible and planned course forward. It acknowledges the financial pressures we face, including the impacts of Cyclone Jasper, and responds with a plan that balances fiscal discipline with continued investment in the services and infrastructure our community depends on.
“By implementing these measures now – including a general rate increase of approximately $2 per week for owner-occupiers and $3 per week for investors – we forecast a more than $500,000 reduction in the operating deficit by the end of the next financial year, with a projected surplus of $423,000 by 2027-2028, five years ahead of the previously forecast 2032/2033 return to surplus.
“This rate increase for 2025- 2026 is not taken lightly.
“It reflects the real costs of delivering essential services such as clean drinking water, weekly rubbish collection, safe roads and the operation of our libraries, pools and community facilities,” Cr Scomazzon said.
“These services are the backbone of our community and we are committed to maintaining their high standard. That means reviewing our operations to ensure we deliver efficiently and effectively, without compromising on quality.
“We are still operating in the shadow of Cyclone Jasper, which placed significant pressure on our resources and infrastructure.
“This budget ensures we continue to invest in a more resilient essential infrastructure network including roads, water and wastewater.
“This budget is also about teamwork, the collaboration that exists between the community and (the) council. The community should not, and is not, shouldering all the burden in the face of rising costs.
“We are committed to maintaining the high standard of services our community expects, even as we navigate financial challenges,” Cr Scomazzon said.
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