General News
19 June, 2026
Rates rise $283 a year
THE average Cairns Regional Council ratepayer will pay an extra 7.5%, or about $283 a year, in the 2026-27 financial year.
That’s an estimated $3540, up from about $3257 in the 2025-26 financial year a 5.9% rise.
Mayor Amy Eden blamed a 20.35% increase in waste collection costs as well as council being forced to collect a state government waste levy of $45 for some of the rises.
She said the $785.6 million budget – up $62m on the previous year – struck a careful balance between affordability, responsible financial management and planning for growth.
“We understand cost-of-living pressures are affecting many households – pressures which are also impacting council operations – which is why we have taken a measured and responsible approach to this budget,” Cr Eden said.
“The general rate increase is in line with inflation, however, some utility-related costs have risen more significantly due to factors largely outside council’s control.
“These include increases in externally provided kerbside collection costs, the state government’s landfill levy and the operational costs associated with delivering the Cairns Water Security Stage 1 (CWSS1) project.
“Despite these pressures, council remains committed to identifying efficiencies and delivering value for money for our ratepayers.”
Reflecting additional costs associated with the operation of the $472m CWSS1, water access charges will increase by 10.7% (increases of $45.70 for residential charges and $45.20 for commercial charges). Residential water usage charges will increase by 18c/kl (9.6%), while commercial usage charges will increase by 19c/kl (9.7%).
Sewerage access charges will increase by 3.95% with residential charges to increase by $39.20 and commercial charges to increase by $33.50.
The increases reflect the rising cost of delivering services and maintaining infrastructure during a period of sustained inflation and increasing operational costs.
Cr Eden also flagged that she intended to push for three of her election commitments in next year’s budget – the last before the next local government elections in March 2028.
“These initiatives are not new, they are not unexpected, they are simply commitments that are put to the people of Cairns and is supported by them,” she said.
“Firstly, free disposal of green waste for council transfer stations. The amenity of our city is something every resident enjoys.
“Definitely, a one-off, $1000 rate relief initiative for eligible first home buyers at a time when home ownership is becoming increasingly difficult.
“And thirdly, $2 swims at council pools in a tropical city, access to affordable recreation matters.”
Cr Eden said she had not pursued her election promises earlier because of other more urgent financial matters and because there had not been appetite for them among councillors.
“Last year, council committed to reducing debt and improving our long-term financial sustainability – and this budget continues that approach,” she said.
“This aligns with council’s long-term target of maintaining a 3% operating surplus next year to ensure we have the flexibility to respond to financial pressures and continue investing in essential infrastructure and services. Reducing our reliance on debt puts council in a stronger position to manage unexpected costs.”
The figures that matter in next financial year
General property rates will increase by 3.95%
Total annual increase for a median residential property, including water and waste utility charge is 7.5%
Waste management charge will increase by 20.3%, reflecting higher kerbside collection costs and the introduction of the $45 state waste levy
Water access charges will increase by 10.7% (increase of $45.70 for residential properties)
Sewerage access charges will increase by 3.95% (increase of $39.20 for residential properties)
$136.6 million for water infrastructure, including the Cairns Water Security Stage 1 project and reservoir remediation works
$33m for wastewater infrastructure
$34.5m for the transport network
$18.8m for disaster recovery works
$30.3m for community spaces
$4.7m for new footpaths
$18m for Esplanade, Lagoon, parks, public toilets and sporting facilities
$3.6m contribution to Tourism Tropical North Queensland
$1.6m for attracting events.
More budget stories in next week’s CLN.
