MEDIA RELEASE 1 AUGUST 2025
Winton Shire Council Delivers Community-Focused, Financially Responsible 2025–2026 Budget
Winton Shire Council has handed down its 2025–2026 Annual Budget, reaffirming its commitment to long-term community wellbeing, responsible financial management, and vital infrastructure investment.
Mayor Cathy White said this year’s budget carefully balances the needs of the community against the challenges of rising costs and limited revenue sources.
“We know households and businesses across our shire are feeling the pressure of higher living costs,” Cr White said. “That’s why Council has taken a cautious and considered approach to ensure that essential services are maintained without placing additional strain on our ratepayers.”
The budget includes a modest 3% increase to rates, fees and charges, aligned with national inflation trends, while maintaining one of Queensland’s most generous early payment discounts of 15%. Pensioner concessions and Council’s Rates Concession Policy have also been retained to ensure equity and encourage investment.
Council will deliver a capital works program of $25.83 million, focused on essential infrastructure that supports the economy, liveability, and service reliability. Key projects include Stage 2 of the Winton Industrial Estate, road and water upgrades, plant replacement, and improvements to community facilities.
“In regional areas like ours, Councils often step up as providers of last resort – from aged care and childcare to housing and welfare,” Cr White said. “We take this responsibility seriously because these services are extremely important to our community.”
The budget also continues Council’s strong support for primary producers through direct investment in wild dog and pest control, as well as the ongoing maintenance of stock routes, shire roads and commons. Council’s Economic Development Strategy, support for events, and creative sector investment remain key pillars for local growth.
Winton Shire Council continues to advocate strongly for the community’s needs, including improved funding arrangements for childcare and disaster recovery, as well as strategic regional priorities like the Outback Way, access to Vergemont Station to protect our vital opal industry, and the construction of Jessamine Place.
Key Highlights
- Total operational grant funding: $12.2 million or 57% of operational income
- Total operating revenue $21.36m
- Total operating expenses $24.24m
- Depreciation expense: $6.4 million
- No new loans in 2025-2026
- 3% increase to general rates and charges
- $322 pensioner concession PA
- Total asset value $300.1 million
- Rural services $682,957
- Rural roads & town streets $1,270,000
- Water services $705,000
- Capital program – Budget $25.83 million
- Winton Industrial Estate Stage 2 ($2 million, co-funded)
- Water upgrades – $550,000
- Plant replacement – $1.36 million
- Diamantina Gardens upgrades – $160,000
- ICT systems – $230,000
- Tourism signage – $60,000
For more information, visit: https://www.winton.qld.gov.au/budget
See Budget Snapshot 2025–2026 below
(ENDS)
For media enquiries, please contact: Mayor Cathy White - 0467 629 513
