Brisbane residents will continue to pay less than residents in other south east Queensland councils while getting more under the Schrinner Council’s $3.9 billion 2026-27 Cost-of-Living Budget.
The 2026-27 Budget confirms Brisbane will have the cheapest rates in south east Queensland, with residents in neighbouring councils paying hundreds of dollars more per year in rates.
While the Reserve Bank of Australia has forecast inflation will be 4.8 per cent in June, minimum general rates for owner-occupied households in Brisbane will increase by just 3.97 per cent or 70
cents per week.
The 2026-27 Budget confirms the Schrinner Council’s responsible financial management by:
• Maintaining a $196 million operating surplus as a buffer against unexpected cost increases
• Reducing net debt with no new borrowings forecast for the first time in nearly a decade.
• Saving ratepayers $202 million in interest payments over the life of borrowings
Local governments collect just three cents in every tax dollar but deliver a third of the services communities rely on every day.
Cost shifting continues to be a challenge for local councils, with LGAQ reporting a 378 per cent increase in the financial impact of services shifted onto local councils over a 20-year period.
Despite this, the 2026-27 Federal Budget had no new local government programs, with financial assistance grants for councils decreasing by $336 million.
The Middle East conflict also continues to impact the cost of Council services, including:
• A 15 per cent increase in delivery and transport costs for road infrastructure contracts
• An increase in diesel costs of around 90 cents per litre
• Construction costs increasing by 10 to 20 per cent, with high risks of contract renegotiations
Through responsible financial management, the Schrinner Council will deliver a $76.5 million cost-of-living package in 26-27, featuring:
• A $60 annual on-time rates payment rate discount, saving residents $16.7 million in 26-27
• Queensland’s most generous pensioner rates rebate, with the maximum rebate increasing to $1,350 in 26-27, saving pensioners $29.8 million
• A rates establishment fee exemption, which is expected to save First Home Buyers $1.3 million in 26-27
• The removal of credit and debit card surcharges from 1 July 2026
• $5.6 million for a new ‘Move Well Brisbane’ health and fitness program
• The return of the popular $2 Summer Dips program, which helped drive a record 758,000 visits to Brisbane pools this summer
• More than $2 million for free off-peak transport for seniors
• $532,000 for Brisbane residents who purchase eligible composting and food waste disposal equipment
• 10, 100kg free waste vouchers for Brisbane renters and owner-occupiers
• Two free native plants for all Brisbane residents
• Continuing the city’s free annual kerbside collection service
Despite ongoing cost pressures, the Schrinner Council will deliver record investments in the services and infrastructure Brisbane residents rely on every day.
The Budget includes a record $110 million for better, smoother roads and more than $213 million to provide bus, ferry and Brisbane Metro services across the city.
These record investments are a critical part of the Schrinner Council’s commitment to keeping Brisbane moving as the city continues to grow.
The 2026-27 Budget will deliver better services for Brisbane residents, including:
• A $13 million boost to $63 million for new footpaths and bikeways in 2026-27
• An additional $6 million to deliver $72 million worth of improved drainage in 2026-27
• More than $61 million for libraries, including over $2 million for Bulimba Library and a five per cent increase in the investment for library collections
• More than $29 million for creeks and foreshores, including Kedron Brook, Oxley Creek, Brighton foreshore and the Wynnum, Manly and Lota foreshore.
The Budget will also continue the Schrinner Council’s efforts to unlock thousands more homes in the right places, close to transport, jobs and services, while protecting the suburbs people know and love.
With waste levy costs expected to increase and more fuel options needed due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, options to turn the region’s waste into sustainable aviation fuel will also be investigated through the South East Queensland Council of Mayors.
With no feasible proposals received during a recent Expression of Interest process, the heritage listed Brisbane School of Arts Building will progress to sale.
The sale will secure its long-term future, like other iconic heritage sites such as Victoria Barracks, Customs House, Old Government House, the old Brisbane Dental Hospital and the former Treasury Casino, preserving its heritage while bringing it back to life.
The sale will also unlock more investment in the services, infrastructure and suburban projects Brisbane residents rely on every day, including the city’s library services.
More than 80 per cent of Brisbane’s $3.9 billion budget will continue to be invested in Brisbane’s suburbs under the Schrinner Council’s Suburbs-First Guarantee.
Quotes attributable to Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner:
“We’re spending less where we can and investing more where it counts.
“This Cost-of-Living Budget keeps rates as low as possible, ensuring Brisbane residents continue to pay less than other councils while getting more.
“We’ve made tackling cost-of-living a priority for this budget because we recognise families are still feeling the pressure of higher grocery bills, electricity prices, rent and mortgages.
“We have a responsibility to manage our Budget carefully. After all, this is not Council’s money, it’s residents’ money.
“Our Cost-of-Living Budget provides practical relief for Brisbane residents, while we continue to invest in the infrastructure and services needed to keep Brisbane moving.
“Our sensible financial management means we’re reducing unnecessary spending while investing more in better roads and the services that help shape our reputation as Australia’s lifestyle capital.
“This is a responsible Cost-of-Living Budget that puts Brisbane residents first.”
