Moreton Bay City ratepayers will have to pay an extra $1.13 a week after council unveiled its new $1.2 billion 2026-27 budget this morning.
The city council says the 4.69% rates increase will be buffered by a 10% increase in pensioner rebates and continual free tipping.
Mayor Peter Flannery says sensible fiscal management is needed to keep funding its services while planning for population growth; the city is expected to reach one million residents in 30 years.
“Just like households, council faces rising cost of living pressures, including increases in fuel, electricity, labour and construction costs,” he says.
He says they have been able to minimise the rates increase due to strong financial and fiscal management.
“We’re conscious that cost of living pressures are impacting our residents so we’ve worked hard to keep this year’s minimum general rate increase under Brisbane CPIat4.69% or $1.13 a week/ $59 a year,” he says.
The rebate increase for pensioners and self-funded retirees will affect almost 35,000 residents. Free tipping will apply to three tonnes of waste or 26 visits.
“While our asset base has grown to $10.6 billion, thanks to low debt and fiscal responsibility, this is equal to just a $23kmortgage on a $925k home,” Flannery says.
KEY MORETON BAY PROJECTS
- Moreton Bay Central – a boulevard to the Moreton Bay Indoor Sports Centre at Petrie;
- Suttons Beach Pavilion – a new beach pavilion and park, due for completion mid-2027;
- Caboolture River Rd – a four-lane road, upgraded intersections and improved walking and cycling connections;
- Youngs Crossing Rd – a new flood-resilient bridge and upgraded roads to be finished late next year;
- Old Gympie Rd – an upgrade, four-lane corridor, upgraded intersections, better drainage and better transport connections;
- Dohles Rocks Rd Connector – a four-lane link running through Moreton Bay Central precinct to Dohles Rocks Rd;
- James Drysdale Reserve – a sporting and recreation hub with staged upgrades;
- Centenary Lakes revitalisation (including a regional playground).
He says $454 million will be spent on infrastructure and capital works; $209m has been earmarked for road and transport networks including $58.86m on road repairs and resurfacing.
“We’ve heard that safety is a priority so we’re enhancing this thanks to a $37m allocation for public safety and disaster management with $2.57m of this specifically for our extensive CCTV program,” he says.
He also says council will spend $32m in catchment management and coastal areas, $22m on conservation, $4m for land buybacks and $115m on parks and open spaces.
The budget also allocated $128m to waste management and recycling.
“We committed $72m to our libraries, galleries, museums, community facilities and cultural activations and $87m to our major sporting and aquatic centres,” the mayor says.
“We’re also continuing our community leasing program for sporting and community clubs, giving them access to facilities at peppercorn leases.
“Moreton Bay is investing … and living within our means while managing for growth,” he says.
“We absolutely cannot afford to slow down due to the rapid population growth we are experiencing so we’re looking ahead and spending wisely on projects for now and the future.
“We’re putting your rates to work from new roads to alleviate congestion, land buybacks for habitat conservation and supporting stronger communities with grants and increased CCTV,” Flannery says.
WHAT THE COUNCILLORS HAD TO SAY
Cr Brooke Savige (Division 1): “This budget delivers a strong pipeline of community-driven projects including a combined water sports precinct at Sylvan Beach Esplanade and new play equipment and shade sails at Newell Street Park, Ningi.
Cr Mark Booth (Division 2):“This Budget delivers resurfacing and rehabilitation works across key routes including an upgraded intersection at Station, Henderson and Rowley roads at Burpengary and road resurfacing from Graham Rd to Sturt Street.”
Cr Adam Hain (Division 3): projects like the revitalisation of Centenary Lakes with a new regional playground and rugby league clubhouse, and upgrades to Caboolture River Road “will deliver better roads and transport connections, along with more recreational spaces for families” for residents.”
Cr Jodie Shipway (Division 4): “practical improvements” include the Brays/Henry Rd intersection upgrade and an active travel connection between Freshwater Creek from Aspire Parade, Griffin, to Brushwood Court, Mango Hill.
Cr Sandra Ruck (Division 5): “enhancing sporting facilities” include upgrades to clubhouses and precincts like Talobilla Park, Nathan Road Sports Ground and Deception Bay Sports Complex.
Cr Karl Winchester (Division 6): “This Budget invests in major foreshore upgrades and improved transport connections … a highlight is the new Suttons Beach Pavilion.”
Cr Yvonne Barlow (Division 7): “We’re delivering practical upgrades across Division 7, including improved play areas, new park infrastructure and enhanced open spaces.”
Cr Jim Moloney (Division 8): “(It) invests in parks, playgrounds and community spaces … We’re continuing to invest in Moreton Bay Central with plans for a new boulevard connecting Petrie Station to the Moreton Bay Indoor Sports Centre.”
Cr Cath Tonks (Division 9): “(It) invests in infrastructure our community relies on … like Albany Creek Library and Kumbartcho Sanctuary. We’re also protecting and enhancing our natural environment”.
Cr Matt Constance (Division 10): “… this Budget is about investing … including the design of a new multipurpose community facility and planning for future club and community infrastructureat James Drysdale Reserve and continued planning and precinct works at Leslie Patrick Park and Hills Community Place”.
Cr Ellie Smith (Division 11): “… (It) delivers important upgrades from road resurfacing and drainage improvements to new community infrastructure like an active transport bridge in Dayboro and upgrades to parks and playgrounds.”
Cr Tony Latter (Division 12): The budget is about “ensuring our roads remain safe, reliable and fit for purpose including Belvedere Crescent in Bellmere, Porter Rd in Caboolture, Mountain View Rd in Moorina and Petersen Rd in Morayfield”.
