Longreach Regional Council 2027 Budget

Published on 19 June 2026

Council has this week adopted its 2027 Budget, with a plan to deliver a record $95 million investment into the local economy over the next 12 months.

The budget has been prepared in an environment of economic uncertainty, due to the war in Iran and increasing fuel, pipes, concrete and bitumen prices. Major projects will be monitored through quarterly budget reviews, until the situation stabilises, to enable Council to control its cash balance in this uncertain environment.

Despite rising prices, Council has been able to limit rates increases to below inflation, with an average 3.9% increase for the year. This has been achieved through strong financial discipline and good economic management.

Council has taken the opportunity to realign water, sewerage and waste charges to better reflect the cost of providing these services to households. Ratepayers will notice an increase in water and waste charges, but a decrease in sewerage charges to limit the overall rates increase.

For rural ratepayers, Council has changed the methodology for funding grid replacements on rural roads. There will no longer be a separate grid charge, with the cost of grid replacements being funded through general rates revenue.

There is a substantial capital works program for 2027, with $30 million in funding for major projects including:

  • Construction of 5 new weirs on the Thomson River
  • Replacement of old water mains in Longreach
  • Construction of a new Animal Management Facility
  • Upgrades to the Ilfracombe and Isisford Water Treatment Plants
  • Upgrades to the canteen and bar at the Isisford Showground
  • Repairs to the Isisford and Yaraka Town Halls
  • Investment in new technology across all Council operations to improve efficiency for staff and the community
  • Installation of solar power and batteries on high energy use facilities
  • Replacement of airconditioning units in the Longreach Civic Centre and Ilfracombe Rec Centre
  • Upgrades to the Longreach Showground Dressing Rooms

Council will perform contract works on behalf of the Department of Transport and Main Roads including:

  • Reconstruction of the Owl Street bypass in Longreach
  • Gravel sheeting on Ilfracombe Aramac Road and Isisford Emmet Road
  • Rehabilitation works on Ilfracombe Isisford Road and Longreach Jundah Road

Flooding over the last two years has resulted in a $23 million flood damage repair program for rural roads in 2027. This will provide ongoing work for both the Council workforce and local contractors.

Mayor Tony Rayner said: “The 2027 Budget will see record spending in our local communities, as Council invests in maintaining it assets, as well as investing in legacy projects such as the Thomson River Weirs. Providing a high quality water supply to our four communities is our top priority and this budget reflects this with substantial investments in Longreach, Ilfracombe and Isisford water infrastructure.”

“This is a responsible budget with Council limiting rates increases to below inflation while maintaining a strong cash balance as security for anticipated future capital projects.”

Tony Rayner                                                                               Brett Walsh                

Mayor                                                                                          Chief Executive Officer

 

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