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Cairns Regional Council Budget Figures and Project Costs Detail 2026-27 Plans
The adopted $785.6 million budget and listed project allocations provide the specific numbers guiding council infrastructure and rate decisions.
How we reported this
Cairns Regional Council adopted a $785.6 million budget for 2026-27 that includes a 3.95% general rates rise and a $308 million capital works program. The figures centre on water security and transport priorities.
Budget Totals and Rates Impact
The $785.6 million total budget sets the overall spending envelope. A 3.95% general rates rise forms part of the revenue side. The $308 million capital works allocation directs funds to water security and transport categories. Utility charges also change, with waste management rising 20.3%, water access by 10.7% and sewerage access by 3.95%.
Capital Works and Major Project Allocations
Listed projects carry explicit cost figures. Barlow Park received a completed $10.9 million lighting and audiovisual upgrade, funded by $6.9 million from council and $4 million from the State Government. The North Queensland Cowboys secured a $15 million Federal Government commitment toward a proposed $30 million High-Performance Centre at West Barlow Park. A separate $91 million Olympic overhaul at Barlow Park targets temporary expansion to 20,000 capacity, including a rebuilt West Stand with 3,500 permanent seats and 1,500 retractable seats. AFL Cairns outlined a $25 million upgrade at Cazalys Stadium that adds a 2,200-seat grandstand and lifts undercover capacity to about 5,000. A $2.9 million upgrade at Lions Park in Earlville supported the opening of the Henley Street Tennis Club with four new synthetic grass courts and night lighting.
Current Major Projects Status
Council records list the Cairns Water Security Stage 1 Project under planning and design as an infrastructure item. The Flood Recovery Program remains in progress as infrastructure work. The Jeff Pezzutti Park upgrade is also recorded as in progress in the sport, recreation and parks category. These entries sit alongside the broader capital works program without additional numerical breakdowns in the available records.
Parking adjustments effective from 1 July 2026 set on-street rates at $2.40 per hour with a two-hour limit on centre-median parking on weekdays and Saturday mornings. The council comprises nine divisional councillors and Mayor Amy Eden, with the next election due in 2028. Residents can review full project listings and budget documents on the Cairns Regional Council website for further detail on implementation timelines.