Meeting papers

SPECIAL MEETING                                                                        30 JUNE 2025



 4. Operating Budget


Council’s 2025/26 operating budget includes both revenue and expenditure required to both fund
and deliver day to day operations according to current levels of service. Council's Service Level
catalogues are detailed in Attachment 2 to this report.


The table below outlines the proposed operating budget position, with an operating surplus position
ensuring that Council’s required operating expenditure for the financial year is fully funded by
operating revenue.


                                        2025/26
Operating Budget
                                         ($'000)
Revenue                          $       151,658
Expenditure                      $       151,581
Operating Surplus                $           77



5 Budget Breakdown


A brief outline of the main elements of the Council budget is provided below.


5.1    Operating Revenue


Net Rates and Utility Charges
2025/26 budgeted net rates and utility charges total $104.3 million, with the early payment discount
($3.6 million), pensioner concessions ($980k), and general rate donations for community
organisations ($260k) continuing.


The rate notice for the majority of properties will show a minimum general rate increase of $89.00
(6.5%), a $32.50 (8.0%) increase in the waste collection charge, and a $5.00 (7.1%) increase in the
Environment Levy with no increase in the existing Heritage Levy, Sustainable Transport Levy and
Bushfire Resilience and Response Levy.


Overall, this represents a total net minimum rate increase of 6.7%. Full details of Council’s rates and
charges are contained in the Revenue Statement 2025/26.


Fees and Charges
Council has forecast $12.3 million in revenue from fees and charges in 2025/26. The majority of
Council fees and charges budget relates to development related revenue (planning applications),
local laws (parking and infringement fees), plumbing and building regulatory fees for service and
Noosa Seniors (respite, support and home maintenance fees).




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