Building for the Future: Council Delivers Balanced 2026/27 Budget
Published on 17 June 2026
Whitsunday Regional Council has handed down its 2026/27 Budget, delivering a balanced and responsible financial plan that continues to invest in the infrastructure, services and opportunities needed to support one of Queensland's fastest-growing regional communities.
Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Ry Collins said the Budget reflected Council's commitment to responsible financial management, fairness across all sectors and continued investment in the infrastructure needed to support one of Queensland's fastest-growing regional communities.
"This Budget is about delivering a fair go right across the Whitsundays while continuing to build for our future," Mayor Collins said.
"Residential households, businesses, primary producers, tourism operators, mining and island communities have all been considered under the same balanced approach.
"In challenging economic times, our community expects Council to be responsible, practical and fair and that's exactly what this Budget delivers."
Mayor Collins said Council had worked extensively to balance rising operational costs, inflationary pressures and increasing service demands without unfairly shifting the burden onto the community.
"Importantly, before finalising this Budget, Councillors directed management to look inward first," he said.
"We reviewed spending across the organisation, identified efficiencies, tightened operational costs and worked hard to find savings before passing additional pressure onto ratepayers.
"That was a deliberate approach because we understand households and businesses across the Whitsundays are also under pressure.
"We don't control global fuel prices, State-imposed costs or inflation, but we do control how responsibly we respond."
Mayor Collins said the Budget was not simply about the next twelve months, but about making sure Council remained in a strong position for the years ahead.
"Like councils right across Australia, we're dealing with rising costs, ageing infrastructure and the challenges that come with a growing region," he said.
"The easy option is to put difficult decisions off for another day, but that simply leaves a bigger problem for someone else to deal with later.
"This Council has taken a different approach.
"We've been prepared to ask hard questions, challenge how we operate and identify opportunities to
improve efficiency so we can continue delivering the services and infrastructure our communities rely on.
"Those conversations aren't always easy, but they're necessary."
Mayor Collins said the Budget also reflected significant progress in Council's financial reform journey over the past two years.
"Over the past two years we've worked hard to improve transparency, strengthen financial discipline and reduce Council's underlying General Fund deficit from around $12 million to approximately $3 million," he said.
"That's not the finish line, but it demonstrates the progress that can be achieved when Councillors are prepared to ask hard questions, challenge assumptions and focus on long-term sustainability.
"This year, for the first time in many years, we've placed as much emphasis on expenditure and cost control as we have on revenue.
"Families and businesses across the Whitsundays are doing exactly the same thing and Council should be held to the same standard."
Mayor Collins said the Budget focused on protecting essential services while continuing to invest in the infrastructure needed to support the region's future growth.
"This Budget protects essential services while continuing to invest in the major projects that will help shape the Whitsundays for decades to come," he said.
"When people ask where their rates and charges are going, the answer is into the services and infrastructure that keep our region running every day.
"This Budget includes $46.5 million for roads, buildings and footpaths, $39.8 million for water and sewerage infrastructure and $16.8 million for waste and recycling services.
"We're also investing $16.3 million into parks, pools, playgrounds and cemeteries, along with $10.4 million for libraries, customer and community services, grants and events that support local communities right across the region.
"Importantly, we're continuing to invest in the future of the Whitsundays, with $3 million allocated to economic development and tourism initiatives that help support jobs, attract investment and create opportunities for local businesses.
"Taken together, these investments demonstrate that this Budget is not simply about balancing the books. It's about continuing to deliver the services people rely on every day while investing in the infrastructure and opportunities that will support the next generation of Whitsunday residents."
Key investments also include continued delivery of major community infrastructure projects such as the Cannonvale Community Hub, Collinsville Community Hub, Bowen Foreshore projects and other region-shaping upgrades designed to support growth, liveability and economic strength.
"As our region continues to grow, we can't afford to simply react to that growth — we need to help shape it," Mayor Collins said.
"That means investing in the infrastructure, community spaces and essential services our residents need today while planning for the opportunities of tomorrow.
"This Budget reflects a Council that is living within its means, managing costs responsibly and making every dollar count.
"We're tightening our belt where we can, investing where we need to, and continuing to build a stronger future for the Whitsundays.
"If my first year as Mayor was about understanding and my second year was about reform, then this third year is about delivery.
"Our community doesn't judge us on plans and strategies. They judge us on results, and they have every right to do so.
"The Whitsundays has a big future ahead and our job is to make sure we're ready for it.
"That's what this Budget is all about."
Mayor's Budget Video