Cassowary Coast Adopts $196.8 Million Budget Focused On Resilience & Infrastructure

The Cassowary Coast Regional Council has adopted a $196.8 million budget for 2026-27, with a strong focus on flood resilience, infrastructure upgrades and town centre revitalisation while keeping rate increases in line with inflation.

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Mayor Teresa Millwood said the budget had been developed during a period of global economic uncertainty, with international events continuing to place pressure on households, businesses and councils alike.

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"This year's budget comes at a time of uncertainty, with the conflict in the Middle East impacting our economy," Mayor Millwood said.

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"Despite the challenges, we're committed to keeping costs down as much as possible – and we've looked very closely at how we can be more efficient and innovative."

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More than $80.6 million has been allocated to capital works across the region, including road and bridge upgrades, drainage improvements, footpaths and water infrastructure. The capital program includes about $38 million in external funding.

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Council will also spend $116 million delivering day-to-day services, including libraries, swimming pools, waste collection, emergency management, community grants, environmental programs and maintenance of public facilities and open spaces.

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Flood mitigation remains a major priority following a series of severe weather events in recent years.

"We've committed over $4 million in 2026-27 to deliver vital drainage upgrades across the Cassowary Coast," Mayor Millwood said.

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Projects include works in Cardwell, Mourilyan, Flying Fish Point, Mission Beach and Silkwood, while investigations will continue into drainage solutions for Mill Street in Mourilyan and Goondi Bend in Innisfail.

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More than $30 million has also been committed to maintaining and upgrading roads, bridges and pathways, including upgrades to Bowen Street, Jubilee Road, Scougal Road, Granadilla Road and Stephenson Road.

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Council has retained its rates discount for residents who pay on time, with owner-occupied general rates increasing by five per cent.

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"For the majority of owner-occupiers, this means the average general rate increase will be $90 per year – equal to $1.73 per week," Mayor Millwood said.

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Waste charges will rise by 5.5 per cent, which Council says reflects cost recovery only. For most households, this equates to an additional $37 a year, or about 71 cents a week. To help residents prepare for the wet season and clean up after storms, two free waste vouchers will be included annually with rate notices. Council has also allocated more than $8 million to maintain the region's water network, which includes 31 reservoirs, 13 pumping stations and more than 830 kilometres of water mains.

Mayor Millwood said maintaining ageing infrastructure remained one of Council's biggest responsibilities.

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"We've tried very hard to find ways to keep water charges down. However, we have inherited ageing infrastructure, and we must invest in its renewal," she said.

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The budget also continues investment in housing developments at Daradgee Estate and Eaton Estate, support for local businesses, environmental initiatives and community programs, while work on revitalising the Innisfail CBD will continue with more than $4 million earmarked for streetscape improvements, parking upgrades and pedestrian safety.

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"This budget is all about working towards our vision for the Cassowary Coast to be the most liveable tropical community," Mayor Millwood said.

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