Budget
The 2026-2027 Budget has been adopted as at 14 July 2026, view our budget booklet here(PDF, 3MB).
Rockhampton Regional Council has adopted its 2026/2027 budget with a real focus on delivering the projects and initiatives that matter to residents and business' everyday lives.
The Budget is forecast to deliver a small surplus, reflecting Council’s commitment to maintaining long-term financial sustainability while continuing to invest in essential infrastructure, asset renewals and community services.
Rates and charges remain Council’s primary source of operating revenue and play an important role in supporting essential services, maintaining community assets and delivering key infrastructure.
In preparing the Budget, Council has carefully reviewed its expenditure program to ensure spending is responsible, targeted and aligned with the services that residents interact with every day.
Council has also spent additional time to refine and test its capital works program to ensure projects are necessary, appropriately timed and provide value to the community.
These actions have been undertaken to ensure that the 2026/27 rate rise is as low as possible and that every dollar Council spends is put where it will do the most good.
The average Rockhampton residential ratepayer will see a rate rise of 5.5 per cent in 2026/27, achieving a lower increase than many other major regional cities across Queensland.
Operating Budget Key Highlights
- Small surplus position
- Typical Rockhampton residential ratepayer will experience a rate rise of 5.52%
- 20% rate capping will continue to apply to some non-residential rating categories
- No reduction to Council services
- $20.0 million in prompt payment discounts – maintained at 10% on Rates & Charges
- $1.95 million in concessions to pensioners (Council remission)
Capital Budget Key Highlights:
For every $100 spent this year, Council will deliver: