Council adopts balanced budget with focus on resilience

Published on 19 June 2025

Longreach Regional Council handed down its 2025–26 Budget on Thursday, delivering a financially responsible and community-focused plan that balances essential service delivery with long-term investment in infrastructure, water security, and regional resilience.

The $67 million budget is evenly balanced, underpinned by strong grant funding and a disciplined approach to expenditure. With $20.9 million allocated to capital works, the budget reflects Council’s commitment to building a stronger, more sustainable future for the region.

Mayor Tony Rayner said the budget was shaped by the challenges of recent years—including flood recovery and rising service delivery costs—while maintaining a clear focus on the needs of residents and local businesses.

“This is a budget that delivers on the essentials while investing in the future,” he said. “We’re prioritising road repairs, water security, and community services because those are the things that matter most to our residents.”

Key highlights of the 2025–26 Budget include:

• $11 million in flood damage repairs to rural roads, funded through Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA)
• $7 million for water infrastructure upgrades, including smart water meter and Thomson River weir raising projects
• $12 million for parks, gardens, and public amenities to enhance liveability
• $4 million for childcare services, supporting workplace participation in the region
• $2 million for sewer and waste management
• $2 million in loan repayments, with no new debt incurred

The budget benefits from $15.7 million in capital grants, reflecting Council’s success in securing external funding to support major projects.

Water security remains a top priority for Council, with significant investment in projects that will safeguard the region’s long-term water supply. These include the raising of the Thomson River town weirs, replacement of ageing water mains, and the installation of smart water meters.

“We know how critical water is to our future,” Mayor Rayner said. “This budget ensures we’re not just reacting to challenges—we’re planning ahead and building resilience.”

Following flood events, including the most recent event, Council has committed $11 million to road repairs and upgrades, ensuring rural communities remain connected and safe. An additional $8 million will be spent on roads, streets, and stormwater maintenance, with a further $7 million allocated to contract works through partnerships with the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR).

Council continues to invest in services that support families, young people, and community wellbeing. The childcare budget is set at $4 million, reflecting the importance of the service and the need to support workplace participation. Parks and gardens will receive $5 million in funding, including upgrades to walkways, tree replacement programs, and beautification projects.

Showgrounds, sporting facilities, and community halls will also benefit from targeted investments to improve accessibility, safety, and usability.

In preparation for the transition to a new Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system, Council has allocated $485,000 to business process improvements and technology upgrades. This forms part of a broader strategy to enhance service delivery, improve efficiency, and ensure Council remains responsive to community needs.

The 2025–26 Budget maintains a strong financial position, with $26 million in cash reserves and a continued reduction in debt. Loan repayments of $2 million are scheduled for the year, with no new borrowings planned.

Mayor Rayner said the budget reflected the values of Council and the community.

“We’ve worked hard to deliver a budget that reflects the values and vision of the region. It’s a budget that is financially sustainable, socially responsible, and strategically focused.”

The full Longreach Regional Council Budget 2025-2026 is available here.(PDF, 7MB)