General News
5 July, 2025
Rates climb by $2 a week
OWNER-occupiers in the Douglas Shire Council will pay an extra $2 a week in rates while investors will pay about $3 after the Douglas Shire Council brought down its budget for 2025-26 on Tuesday morning.
That means the average residential annual bill will rise from about $3096 to $3200.
Douglas Shire Mayor Lisa Scomazzon said the budget reflected “our commitment to prudent financial management, community resilience and sustainable growth”.
“We are planning for a return to surplus by 2027–2028, five years ahead of schedule,” she said.
“While we are budgeting for an operating deficit of just over $915,000, this budget sets a responsible and planned course forward. It acknowledges the financial pressures we face, including the impacts of Cyclone Jasper and responds with a plan that balances fiscal discipline with continued investment in the services and infrastructure our community depends on.
“By implementing these measures now – including a general rate increase of approximately $2 per week for owner-occupiers and $3 per week for investors we forecast a more than $500,000 reduction in the operating deficit by the end of the next financial year, with a projected surplus of $423,000 by 2027-2028, five years ahead of the previously forecast 2032/2033 return to surplus.
“This rate increase for 2025- 2026 is not taken lightly. It reflects the real costs of delivering essential services such as clean drinking water, weekly rubbish collection, safe roads and the operation of our libraries, pools and community facilities.
“These services are the backbone of our community and we are committed to maintaining their high standard. That means reviewing our operations to ensure we deliver efficiently and effectively, without compromising on quality.
“This year’s budget also includes a record investment in infrastructure – over $134 million in capital works aimed at boosting resilience, sustainability and liveability across the Shire.
It includes:
$96m for disaster recovery and resilience works, particularly north of the Daintree River, helping restore and future-proof critical infrastructure impacted by Cyclone Jasper
$2.6m to commence landside infrastructure improvements that will support the future upgrade of the Daintree River ferry, laying the foundation for a four-lane vessel that will ease congestion and improve the crossing experience for residents and visitors alike
$10.3m in the Mossman River intake – an alternative water source that will strengthen water security for the Douglas Shire, supporting population growth and climate resilience
The completion of the Port Douglas Splash Park, with $2.3 million allocated for the park to open during the September school holidays
$4.5m for critical repairs to the water main network
$3m for road network renewals and upgrades.
“These projects are not just about bricks and mortar – they’re about improving how we live, preparing for future challenges and making Douglas Shire an even better place to call home,” Cr Scomazzon said.
“They also support local jobs and economic activity, with many projects creating employment opportunities and engaging local contractors,” she said.
