Budget Lays Groundwork for a Fairer, Stronger Whitsundays
Major rates reform and investment in key infrastructure headline Whitsunday Regional Council’s newly adopted 2025–26 Budget, designed to secure essential services, deliver long-term equity, and build a more resilient future.
Mayor Ry Collins said the budget strikes a balance between economic responsibility and community needs.
“This isn’t just a numbers exercise—this is about putting people first,” Mayor Collins said.
“We’ve done a complete review of the rating system to ensure all ratepayers contribute fairly and equitably, every service is sustainable, and every decision strengthens our region’s future.
“As part of this reset, categorisation and some sectors will see significant changes—and its important we’re upfront about that.
“For commercial ratepayers, it’s a big shift, and not one Council has made lightly,” he said.
“But after years of minimal movement, commercial rates have fallen out of step. This adjustment helps restore balance and ensures a fairer share of the cost of services and infrastructure that support our region’s growth.”
For residential owner-occupiers, general rates will increase by 2 per cent, while utility charges, covering water, sewerage and waste, will rise by around 5 per cent.
In total, this equates to a weekly increase of approximately $2.92 for households with waste collection.
Mayor Collins said previous terms of Council had held back on increases to ease pressure on the community, but that approach was no longer sustainable.
“To maintain essential services and keep pace with rising costs, we need to act responsibly,” he said.
“This budget also begins a broader reform—modernising our rating system to make it simpler, fairer, and more reflective of how people use services.
“We’ve made targeted efficiencies in our operations whilst moving toward a more user-pays approach for service delivery, so the cost isn’t unfairly carried by all ratepayers.”
Mayor Collins said as part of the commitment to catching up on infrastructure, Council had also allocated $14 million in this year’s capital budget for the construction of a new waste cell and remediation works at the Bowen landfill following the opening of the Kelsey creek cell last month.
“This major investment will ensure safe, efficient waste management for the northern region while supporting future growth,” Mayor Collins said.
“It’s one of the largest infrastructure upgrades in Bowen in recent years—and a vital step toward modern, fit-for-purpose waste facilities.
“At the same time, the 2025–26 Budget backs future growth, with funding secured for key community projects like the Cannonvale and Collinsville Community Hubs, foreshore upgrades in Bowen and Airlie Beach, and continued expansion of Whitsunday Coast Airport.
“These aren’t just projects, they’re foundations for regional opportunity and resilience.”
“Importantly, not all Council services rely on rates. The Whitsunday Coast Airport is a standout example—a fully self-funded, Council-owned asset that operates without any ratepayer subsidy,” Mayor Collins said.
“Despite this, it delivers strong financial returns, contributing a forecast $1 million dividend back to Council in 2025-26,” he said.
“These funds help support vital services and infrastructure across the entire Whitsunday region, reinforcing the airport’s role as both a critical gateway and a valuable economic driver.”
Mayor Collins acknowledged the effort and collaboration of Councillors and staff in shaping a budget that responds to immediate pressures while building for the future.
“This is a budget built on fairness, responsibility and ambition—and I’m proud to lead a Council that’s stepping up for the Whitsundays.”
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Greg Martin, Communications and Marketing Manager
07 4945 0617 or Email: communications@whitsundayrc.qld.gov.au