Mayor's Report 2026/27 Budget

Published on 17 June 2026

The following report was presented at the 2026/27 Budget meeting held on 17th June 2026.

On behalf of Councillors, I am pleased to present Blackall-Tambo Regional Council’s 2026/27 Budget, which sets out Council’s financial plan for the year ahead and outlines our priorities for the coming decade.

This budget has been developed in a challenging operating environment, characterised by rising costs, ongoing infrastructure demands, and the realities faced by rural and remote communities. Despite these pressures, Council has delivered a budget that is responsible, transparent, and focused on long-term sustainability, while continuing to provide essential services to our community.

The 2026/27 Budget and meeting agenda can be read here. 

The 2026–27 Budget reflects Council’s continued commitment to strong financial management. While the budget forecasts an operating deficit in the short term, this is part of a planned and managed financial trajectory, with a return to operating surpluses projected over the forward years.

Council’s approach remains cautious and disciplined, ensuring that today’s decisions do not compromise the financial capacity of future Councils or generations. Importantly, Council continues to maintain a strong balance sheet, low levels of liabilities, and healthy cash reserves.

Council exists to serve its community, and this budget ensures that essential services continue to be delivered across the region. These services include:

• Road maintenance and renewal
• Waste management and environmental services
• Community services, facilities, parks, and open spaces
• Regulatory services and community support programs
• Water, waste and sewerage including major upgrades to the Blackall Sewerage Treatment Plant and Blackall waste facility.

Investment decisions have been guided by community needs, service continuity, and affordability, ensuring that Council resources are directed where they deliver the greatest benefit.

Our region has a large and valuable infrastructure base, and its ongoing management remains one of Council’s most significant responsibilities. The 2026–27 Budget continues to prioritise asset maintenance and renewal, recognising that well-maintained infrastructure underpins 111 Agenda-Budget Meeting-17 June 2026 Blackall-Tambo Regional Council community safety, economic activity, and quality of life. Council’s long-term financial forecasts demonstrate improving performance against key asset sustainability indicators, reflecting a deliberate focus on protecting and managing community assets.

Council remains mindful of the financial pressures faced by households and businesses. Rates and charges have been set with careful consideration of affordability, balanced against the need to fund essential services and infrastructure. Council has adopted a 4.5% increase in general rates for the 2026–27 financial year. This increase is broadly in line with movements in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and reflects the rising cost of service delivery across the region. Based on the minimum rate charge, this equates to approximately $37 per year, or around 70 cents per week. In setting this adjustment, Council has sought to balance cost pressures with its commitment to maintaining service levels and continuing investment in essential infrastructure.

As a rural council, Blackall-Tambo continues to rely significantly on State and Commonwealth grant funding, and Council will continue to advocate strongly for fair and sustainable funding arrangements that recognise the unique challenges of our region.

This budget is not only about the year ahead – it is about positioning Blackall-Tambo Regional Council for the future. The long-term financial outlook shows a gradual strengthening of Council’s operating position, improved financial ratios, and continued growth in net community assets.

Council will continue to focus on:

• Financial sustainability
• Prudent long-term planning
• Advocacy for regional and rural communities
• Delivering value for money for ratepayers

I would like to thank my fellow Councillors for their commitment and considered decision-making throughout the budget process. I also acknowledge the Chief Executive Officer and Council staff for their professionalism and diligence in preparing this budget. This Council is committed to our communities and this budget puts community first.

Most importantly, I thank the residents of the Blackall-Tambo Region for their ongoing support and contribution to our community.

I’m pleased to share this budget with the community and look forward to working together to support a resilient, sustainable, and thriving Blackall-Tambo Region.

- Mayor Andrew Martin 

Blackall-Tambo Regional Council