Livingstone delivers measured, back-to-basics budget for 2026–27
Published on 24 June 2026
Livingstone Shire Council has handed down its 2026–27 Budget, delivering a practical, back-to-basics financial plan focused on maintaining essential services, renewing infrastructure and keeping cost of living pressures front of mind.
Mayor Adam Belot said the $224.7million budget reflects a measured and responsible approach, balancing the needs of a fast-growing region while keeping rate rises as low as possible.
“This is a meat and potatoes budget, focused on the basics, delivering the services our community relies on every day, maintaining our assets, and planning responsibly for the future,” Mayor Belot said.
“We know households are doing it tough, and that’s why Council has worked hard to keep increases modest while still investing in the infrastructure and services needed to support our growing region.”
Mayor Belot noted that councils across Queensland are facing similar cost pressures, including inflation, construction costs, and service demand, with many local governments adopting rate increases to respond to those challenges.
“Against that backdrop, Livingstone’s increase is comparatively modest,” he said.
“For the average household, the increase equates to around $2.75 per week, keeping our rate rise as low as possible, while ensuring we can continue delivering the services our community expects.”
Key highlights of the 2026–27 Budget include:
- $224.7 million total budget
- $79.2 million in capital works across 124 projects
- $21.8 million in external State and Federal funding
- No new borrowings in 2026–27
- Debt reduced by $6.9 million to $28.9 million
- Average residential rates and charges increase of 2.78%, around $2.75 per week
Mayor Belot said the budget takes a disciplined approach to financial sustainability, with a planned operating deficit of $4 million reflecting Council’s commitment to continue delivering for the community while managing rising costs.
“This budget is about being sensible and sustainable,” he said.
“We’re not chasing shiny new ideas at the expense of the basics. We’re focused on roads, water, waste, parks, community facilities and the core services people expect from their local Council.”
Mayor Belot acknowledged that while the average increase is modest, individual outcomes will vary.
“There will always be outliers, some ratepayers may see higher or lower changes depending on their property and rating category,” he said.
“However, through Council’s newly adopted Rating Strategy, we’ve worked hard to make the system as fair and equitable as possible across the community.”
Mayor Belot said Council also recognises that, historically, Livingstone Shire’s rates can be comparatively higher than some other regions, reinforcing the importance of keeping increases measured.
“That’s exactly why we’ve taken a disciplined approach this year, keeping increases as low as we responsibly can while still maintaining services and investing in our future,” he said.
The 2026–27 Budget is shaped by Council’s reset strategic direction, setting a clear course for the future of the Livingstone Shire with a strong focus on managing growth, delivering essential infrastructure, and maintaining long-term financial sustainability.
While grounded in practical, responsible decision-making, the budget reflects Council’s broader vision to prepare the region for the opportunities and pressures of a growing community.
Council’s newly adopted Rating Strategy 2026/27–2031/32 supports that direction by providing a transparent and evidence-based framework for how rates are distributed across residential, commercial, and rural sectors.
Mayor Adam Belot said the strategy gives the community greater certainty around how rates are set while ensuring the system remains fair and sustainable.
“It’s independently reviewed, evidence-based and designed to make sure everyone contributes fairly as our region continues to grow,” Mayor Belot said.
Council will also invest nearly $729 million in infrastructure over the next decade, laying the foundations for future growth while continuing to renew and maintain existing assets.
Mayor Belot said the 2026–27 Budget strikes the right balance between affordability today and planning for tomorrow.
“This budget keeps us on a strong financial footing, maintains essential services, and positions us to deliver on our long-term growth aspirations for Livingstone Shire,” he said.
“It’s a practical, sensible budget that reflects our reset strategic direction, focused on getting the fundamentals right while building the foundations for our region’s future.”