McKinlay Shire Council Budget 2026-2027
Published on 24 July 2026
21st July 2026
McKinlay Shire Council Delivers Record $85 Million Budget Focused on Recovery, Growth and Investment
At its Ordinary Meeting held on 21 July 2026, McKinlay Shire Council adopted its 2026/27 Budget, delivering a record $85 million Capital Works Program.
Mayor Cr Janene Fegan said the Budget was carefully balanced to address cost of living pressures while ensuring Council can continue to deliver the services, infrastructure and investment our communities require.
"Council has worked hard to keep rate rises as low as possible while balancing the increasing costs of materials, wages and services incurred by Council," Cr Fegan said.
"Rates and service charges have increased by five per cent, which will see the average Julia Creek residential rates increase by an additional $57.42 per levy or $2.21 per week per levy. This was not a decision we made lightly, but it enables Council to continue providing a range of services at little or no cost to our residents and visitors."
"These include waste disposal, sport & recreational activities and maintaining affordable pricing for our swimming pool, gymnasium and other Council facilities," she added.
This Budget follows one of the most significant weather events in the region's history, with the impacts of the Queensland Monsoon Trough, Cyclone Koji, Cyclone Narelle and severe weather events experienced between 24 December 2025 and 24 April 2026 continuing to be felt across the Shire.
"This year, we will deliver the largest Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) program ever undertaken by Council, valued at approximately $65 million," Cr Fegan said.
"This work will provide significant economic stimulus for our community, creating employment opportunities and provide opportunities for local businesses and contractors to participate in project delivery, with valuable flow-on benefits across the community," she said.
Council's $85 million Capital Works Program has secured more than $80 million in external funding, representing a staggering 94 per cent of the total project costs.
A key investment in this year's Budget is $4 million for staff housing, funded through the Queensland Government's Community Legacy Infrastructure Program. The project will deliver four one-bedroom units, two two-bedroom units and two three-bedroom homes, directly responding to priorities identified through consultation for Council's Economic Development Plan.
"Housing availability remains one of the greatest challenges facing regional communities as well as our urban counterparts. This investment demonstrates what can be achieved when Council successfully advocates for external funding opportunities that deliver long-term benefits for our community," Cr Fegan said.
The 2026/27 Capital Works Program includes:
• Roads – $70.93 million
o DRFA Program – $65.9 million
o Gilliat/McKinlay Road resealing – $600,000
o Taldora Road sealing – $1.5 million
o Burke Street Footpath – $1 million
o Byrimine Road sealing – $734,055
• Water – $2.1 million
o Upgrades across all communities, including provision for a new bore at Kynuna, subject to securing external funding.
• Wastewater – $900,000
o Manhole refurbishments, sewer camera inspections and sewer cleaning works.
• Upgrades to Council’s Plant and Equipment – $1.2 million
• Airport Developments – $2.6 million
"Council has no debt and no plans to seek new loans. In addition, our estimated 2026/27 budget surplus of $1.19 million reflects Council's prudent financial management and long-term planning. We will continue to invest in the services and infrastructure our communities rely on. This Budget is about recovery, resilience and responsible investment, positioning McKinlay Shire for future growth and opportunity," Cr Fegan said.
END MEDIA RELEASE.
Word Count: 533
Media Release(PDF, 426KB)
Contact: Mayor, Cr Janene Fegan - McKinlay Shire Council
mayor@mckinlay.qld.gov.au (07) 4746 7166