The 2026–2027 Budget was adopted by Isaac Regional Council on 30 June 2026.
Mayor’s message
This year's budget is about making responsible decisions today while delivering the infrastructure and services our communities need for tomorrow.
We know households and businesses are facing rising costs. Council is facing those same pressures. During the past year, Council has managed approximately $11 million in unexpected budget impacts, alongside rising costs to maintain infrastructure, deliver services and replace assets.
Despite these challenges, we have worked hard to keep the impact on ratepayers as low as possible. General residential rates will increase by 6 per cent.
Council has changed the way we charge for water access, which will help offset the impact of this year's rates increase for many ratepayers. For 99 per cent of households, this will mean an increase of less than $1.75 per week.
Planning beyond budget and election cycles is important, but so is helping residents manage today's cost pressures.
That’s why we have extended the early payment discount period to ratepayers from 30 days to 56 days, giving more time to access that discount.
At the same time, Council is delivering a $69.2 million capital works program across the region.
Grant-funded multi-year projects in 2026-27 include:
$24.4 million for the Isaac Resources Excellence Precinct in Moranbah, funded through a multi-year $39.7 million Resources Community Infrastructure Fund grant and $2 million from the Australian Government. This includes critical supporting infrastructure and upgrades to the Moranbah Access Road and Railway Station Road intersection.
$1.6 million towards the Clermont Swimming Centre redevelopment, funded through a $3.2 million Queensland Government commitment.
$1.5 million for sealing and upgrading Dysart's Cotherstone-Capella Road, funded by $2.4 million through the Queensland Government's Country Roads Connect Program and a $600,000 Council contribution.
Council-funded projects in 2026-27 include:
$4.6 million to resurface 97 kilometres of roads across the Isaac region.
$4 million to resheet 50 kilometres of unsealed roads across the region.
$1.4 million to rehabilitate Golden Mile Road, Dysart-Clermont Road and Moranbah Access Road.
$775,000 for lighting upgrades at parks, sporting facilities and aquatic centres across the region, including Clermont Rugby League, Federation Walk in Moranbah, and the Glenden, Clermont and Middlemount pools.
$427,000 in upgrades and renewals at Clermont's J.R. Turner Saleyards, including selling pen replacements and improved access infrastructure.
Roads remain a top priority. Council has committed $43.7 million to roads and infrastructure, including resurfacing 97 kilometres and resheeting approximately 50 kilometres of unsealed roads.
This budget also delivers $1.1 million in community grants, sponsorships, events and local initiatives.
Smart regions plan beyond budget and election cycles. That’s why Council is reducing the early payment discounts for coal mining, workforce accommodation and renewable energy categories from 10% to 5% to establish the Isaac Future Fund.
This initiative will help fund the services the people of Isaac need, when mining revenue eventually starts to decline.
The Isaac Future Fund will receive an initial contribution of $3.2 million in 2026-27. This amount is expected to double next year when the remaining 5% discount is removed.
Importantly, the fund will not be built using money from everyday ratepayers, and contributions to the fund will not impact Council's financial stability.
While no rates increase is welcome, this is a responsible and balanced budget that keeps Isaac strong today and prepared for tomorrow.
I would like to thank my fellow elected members, Council teams, and our community for their ongoing commitment to our region.
Together, we are building a stronger future for the Isaac region.
Mayor Kelly Vea Vea
Isaac Regional Council
ARCHIVE
Budget_2025-26.pdf(PDF, 10MB)
Budget_2024-25.pdf (PDF, 28MB)
Budget_2023-24.pdf(PDF, 2MB)
(PDF, 2MB)Budget_2022-23.pdf(PDF, 5MB)
(PDF, 5MB)Budget_2021_22.pdf(PDF, 35MB)
(PDF, 35MB)Budget_2020_21.pdf(PDF, 12MB)
(PDF, 12MB)Budget_2019_20.pdf(PDF, 18MB)
(PDF, 18MB)Budget_2018_19.pdf(PDF, 4MB)
(PDF, 4MB)Budget_2017_18.pdf(PDF, 6MB)
(PDF, 6MB)Budget_2016_17.pdf(PDF, 6MB)
(PDF, 6MB)Budget_2015_16.pdf(PDF, 8MB)
(PDF, 8MB)Budget_2014_15.pdf(PDF, 3MB)
(PDF, 3MB)Budget_2013_14.pdf(PDF, 3MB)
(PDF, 3MB)Budget_2012_13.pdf(PDF, 653KB)