Isaac delivers budget to secure community futures

Published on 30 June 2025

Isaac Regional Council has delivered a $153.7 million budget that holds the line on affordability while making significant investment in the future of its 17 communities.

Mayor Kelly Vea Vea said the 2025–26 Budget strikes a balance between financial responsibility and the need to strengthen services, infrastructure and opportunity across the region.

“This budget is about securing tomorrow, today,” Mayor Vea Vea said. “We are investing in the roads, the water systems, the facilities and the services our communities need now, and laying the groundwork for the Isaac region’s future.”

The Budget limits the general residential rates increase to 4.95 per cent and keeps the overall rise in rates and charges to 5.17 per cent. At the same time, it delivers $69.8 million for 110 new and ongoing capital projects. Council has also committed $8.57 million in early payment discounts and remissions to help ease cost-of-living pressures for households across the region.

“We know families and businesses are doing it tough, and Council is feeling those same cost pressures. This year alone, we’ve had to budget more than $6.5 million just to cover utilities and insurance,” Mayor Vea Vea said.

“That’s why affordability was front of mind in every decision we made. Most households will see a weekly increase of less than five dollars, which we have worked hard to achieve while still delivering the services and projects our residents deserve.”

Multi-year projects being delivered in 2025-26:

$10.2 million for early works on the Isaac Resources Excellence Precinct in Moranbah
$14.6 million to complete the Phillips Creek Bridge replacement on Saraji Road in Dysart
$2.8 million multi-year investment to finalise Stage 1 of the Nebo Showgrounds redevelopment.
$2 million multi-year partnership with Queensland Government to establish Country University Centres in Moranbah and Clermont
$1.6 million multi-year investment to finalise upgrades of Moranbah Early Learning Centre to increase capacity and take pressure off waitlists.

Key programs delivered in the 2025–26 financial year include:

$14.8 million for water, waste and wastewater upgrades
$3.85 million to resurface 119km of sealed roads
$3.46 million to re-sheet 35.6km of unsealed roads
$100,000 to Childcare Leadership Alliance to support recruitment of early childhood educators across Isaac.
$455,000 in leasing support to Isaac Not-For-Profit Childcare Centres
$473,000 in major grants and sponsorships to community groups and events across Isaac.
$300,000 to upgrade the selling pens and bull-ring seating at the Clermont Saleyards.
Council is also progressing planning for the Clermont Swimming Centre redevelopment, supported by a $3.2 million Queensland Government election commitment.

Mayor Vea Vea said the Budget prioritises delivering what matters most to the community while preparing the region for long-term prosperity.

“This Budget is backing the services our people rely on every day, from childcare and education through to safe, affordable housing,” she said.

“We are investing in 37 new homes through the Isaac Affordable Housing Trust and continuing our $2 million multi-year support program for childcare across the region. These are the types of investments that make our communities thrive.”

“This is a plan to keep momentum going in our towns and to make sure the Isaac region continues to be a place where people want to stay, invest and build their future.”

Visit www.isaac.qld.gov.au for more information on Isaac Regional Council’s 2025–26 Budget.

ENDS