Practical Spending - 2025/26 Budget Focused on Community Needs
Published on 25 June 2025
Charters Towers Regional Council has adopted its 2025–26 Budget, titled "Practical Spending", with a strong focus on delivering essential services, renewing ageing infrastructure, and making every dollar count for local residents.
Mayor Liz Schmidt said the new budget reflects a realistic, common-sense approach to managing Council’s finances while continuing to invest in the Region’s future.
“We know many households and businesses are feeling the pressure of cost-of-living increases,” Mayor Schmidt said. “That’s why this budget focuses on maintaining the services and infrastructure we all rely on, while keeping spending smart and responsible.”
In 2025-26, general residential rates will rise by just 2.5%, a modest and necessary step to support ongoing service delivery. Some increases in utility charges will occur, particularly in water, wastewater, and waste services, but these remain cost-recovery only – Council cannot charge more than it costs to provide these services.
Residents will continue to have flexibility in water billing, with the choice between an Allocation or Two-Part Tariff. The annual water allocation will remain at 750kL.
The Council has announced a $19.77 million Capital Works Program focused on practical upgrades across the Region:
- Road upgrades: Dotswood Road, Ewan Road, and Myola Road with Federal and TIDS funding
- Bridge and floodway works: Supported by the North Queensland Resilience Program
- Water infrastructure: Reservoir upgrades, Charters Towers Weir and Greenvale treatment works
- Wastewater network: Improvements to the Charters Towers system
- Saleyards: Ongoing renewals and upgrades
- Public facilities: Improvements to the cemetery and other key open spaces
- Pentland Masterplan: Planning for the future of a growing township
- Livestock Standstill Plan: Emergency preparedness for biosecurity threats
- Business Continuity Planning: Strategic roadmap for emergency response and recovery
“We’re not spending for the sake of it,” the Mayor said. “We’re making targeted, practical investments that will deliver long-term value for our Region.”
Mayor Schmidt also highlighted Council’s ongoing commitment to securing external funding to minimise the impact on local ratepayers.
“We’re chasing every available grant and funding program to stretch our budget further. This is about doing more with less—and doing it well.”
The 2025/26 Budget represents the second budget of the current Council term and reflects the feedback received from the community - calling for essential service delivery, responsible spending, and practical progress.
Residents are encouraged to explore the full budget and reach out with any questions.
“This is your community, and your voice matters,” the Mayor said. “We welcome your interest and involvement.”
For more information go to: https://www.charterstowers.qld.gov.au/Forms-and-publications/Budget