Challenging 2025-26 budget delivers for Noosa community

Published on 30 June 2025

Council’s 2025-26 budget balances an increase of $2.35 a week on the total residential rates notice with no reduction in services for the Noosa community.

Mayor Frank Wilkie said minimising cost-of-living increases on households and delivering on the community desire for quality services were key priorities.

“Noosa, like many local governments, has been hit hard by price increases for the materials, wages and services needed to deliver core business to the community,” Cr Wilkie said.

The $202 million budget, adopted by Council today, comprises a rate increase of 6.7%, including all levies and charges on the rates notice.

This means the average residential ratepayer on a minimum general rate will pay just under $2000 per year, inclusive of the discount.

“We managed to limit rates rises for most residential ratepayers by lifting the rate in the dollar for short-term accommodation (STA) properties. 

“We kept both residential and STA rates in the dollar to levels that are still below that of larger councils in the region, which tend to have higher rates across all categories.

“This will make sure visitors contribute to the upkeep of the shire and the maintenance of public amenities,” the Mayor said.

Cr Wilkie said annual increases allowed Council to build the infrastructure and maintain critical services the community needed.

“We put a freeze on most levies, apart from a $5 increase in the environment levy and are continuing to work with volunteer groups like Zero Emissions Noosa and the Noosa Biosphere Reserve Foundation, who do exceptional work for the community.”

Cr Wilkie said full pensioner rebates of a maximum of $230 are available for eligible property owners in the shire.

“We are also retaining the 5% early rates payment discount, which is a $72.55 saving for most ratepayers,” Cr Wilkie said.

“These measures help those who need it most,” he said.

Cr Wilkie said the budget addresses current and future needs in a challenging economic environment.

There is a $51 million Capital Works program that prioritises community infrastructure, with upgrades to Noosa Aquatic Centre, the Leisure Centre, and The J entertainment facility.

The Capital Works program includes:

• $17.4 million - Roads, bridges and transport Infrastructure
• $10.3 million - Resource recovery and waste management
• $ 5.6 million - Community facilities and sports grounds
• $6.3 million – Pathways, trail network, parks, playgrounds and public amenities
• $4.4 million - Stormwater, bio basin and waterways

Cr Wilkie said the cost to manage the shire’s waste continues to rise.

“The waste charge is now $438 per ratepayer which helps continue investment in resource recovery, improve recycling rates and covers costs of increased contract and labor costs,” he said.

“The state-imposed waste levy continues to increase, resulting in a jump of about $22 per tonne for residents.

“This budget maintains quality services, keeps pace with rising costs and ensures a reasonable surplus of $77,000 to cement our financial sustainability,” Cr Wilkie said.

Example: Minimum rates notice for residential properties in Noosa (principal place of residence)

Mayor Frank Wilkie discusses the 2025-26 Noosa Council Budget: