General News
2 July, 2025
Cloncurry rates to rise as council forecasts surplus
Mayor Greg Campbell says the 2025-26 budget is a sensible one.
Cloncurry Shire Council has handed down its 2025-26 budget, revealing an operating surplus of $2.44 million.
The budget includes an ambitious capital works program of $56.7 million, alongside a further $29 million dedicated to flood damage rectification works.
Acknowledging the current cost of living pressures, mayor Greg Campbell emphasised the council’s commitment to minimising the burden on residents.
“Cost of living pressure is at the forefront of everyone’s minds at present,” he said.
“Accordingly, we have endeavoured to keep increases to rates and charges as low as possible.”
The budget locks in rates increases between three and four per cent for the majority of ratepayers, with water and waste charges seeing a three per cent increase and sewer charges rising by four per cent.
Cr Campbell attributed the ability to maintain a balanced budget and low increases to the hard work of the council.
“We’ve been able to hit the three to four per cent target across most categories and charges and maintain a balanced budget through driving efficiencies in our operations, modest but sustained population growth, our continued success in attracting external funding from the state and Commonwealth governments, and through the continued strength of the mining and agricultural sectors.”
A substantial $67.3 million has been allocated to the shire’s road and transport program.
This includes:
620km-plus of flood damage works across the road network;
Completion of the Coppermine Creek Bridge Project;
Completion of 13.92km of new seal for Granada Road;
Construction of two replacement causeways and one new causeway on Malbon Selwyn Road;
Commencement of Scarr Street Revitalisation Project; and
Commence renewals and upgrades to runways, aprons and taxiways at Cloncurry Airport (subject to finalisation of funding agreement).
“Cloncurry is a major transport hub and it is important that council continues to invest in maintenance and improvements along key transport corridors within the shire,” Cr Campbell said, adding that securing state and federal Government funding ensured “every ratepayer dollar is leveraged as efficiently as possible”.
The budget also sees the completion of several carryover projects, including the Curry Kids Early Learning Centre upgrade, construction of industrial sheds and warehouses at the Cloncurry Industrial Estate, and the Dajarra Water Security Project (mains replacement and bore installation).
New projects commencing in 2025-26 include the Cloncurry Water Security Projects, Dajarra Playground installation, construction of Equestrian Centre shade infrastructure, and the Shire Hall stage upgrade and flooring renewal.
“It demonstrates council’s commitment to investing in fundamentals and in improving liveability in the shire. Council sees a number of these projects as key critical in driving continued economic and population growth in Cloncurry,” the mayor said.
Looking to the future, planning and design will be completed for key council projects in 2025-26, paving the way for delivery from 2026-27.
These include the Cloncurry Water Treatment Plant upgrades, John Flynn Place renewal and upgrade project, industrial estate extension (Stage 2), and a new residential subdivision (Brisbane and Griffith Street).
Cr Campbell said Cloncurry Shire continued its strong community focus, allocating $2.94 million to a range of key services and initiatives.
“Council prides itself on being able to support our hard-working volunteers and community groups, making it a great place to live,” he said.
BUDGET SNAPSHOT
Operating Income
Rates: $22,897,902
Grants/subsidies: $12,874,941
Fees/charges: $8,852,771
Sales and contract revenue: $1,205,792
Interest: $1,387,627
TOTAL: $47,219,033
Operating Expenditure
Materials/services: $17,557,150
Depreciation: $13,992,421
Employee costs: $12,463,651
Councillor remuneration: $439,865
Finance costs: $321,575
TOTAL: $44,774,662
Repayment of loans
TOTAL: $1.008m