Mayor's Message Paroo Shire Council 2027 Budget

Published on 18 June 2026

Paroo Shire Council has adopted its 2027 Budget, delivering a responsible and community focused ﬁnancial plan that strengthens essential services, invests in local infrastructure, and maintains long term sustainability.

The 2027 Budget forecasts $69.7 million in total revenue and $67.3 million in total operating expenditure providing a positive operating result of $0.6 million (excluding capital revenue) and $2.4 million (including capital revenue) ensuring Council continues to operate within its means.

Mayor Suzette Beresford said the budget reﬂects the community’s priorities and Council’s commitment to maintaining reliable services and infrastructure. “This budget invests where it matters most— our roads, our facilities, and the essential services our community relies on every day,” the Mayor said. “We’ve kept rate increases modest while continuing to secure signiﬁcant external funding to protect Council reserves.”

The budget includes funding of $40 million for ﬂood damage repairs to shire roads under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements in addition to a Council contribution of $1.25 million for shire roads maintenance. This is an increase of 25% over the previous year’s budget allocation. Being mindful of the current economic environment, total rates and charges will increase by a modest 4%, ensuring aﬀordability while maintaining service levels.

Council has committed to a $9.1 million capital works program, with $3.8 million funded externally. Key projects include road upgrades across the shire, water and sewerage componentry improvements, airport fuel system upgrades, pool improvements, and new plant and equipment to support service delivery.

A series of new projects commencing in 2027 will further strengthen community infrastructure. These include

• TIDS Road Construction Projects,

• Country Roads Connect – Jobs Gate Road,

• Hot Springs SCADA Upgrade,

• Cunnamulla Pool Repainting,

• Sewer Mains Rising Upgrade,

• Flood Works including ﬂoodgate replacement,

• Stormwater repairs,

• New 2 bedroom housing unit,

• Computer software upgrades.

Financial sustainability indicators remain strong, with four months of unrestricted cash reserves and a leverage ratio of 0.02, well within the target range. Council remains on track to be debt free by 2031, with no new borrowings planned.

“This is a responsible, forward looking budget that protects essential services while investing in the future of Paroo Shire,” the Mayor said. “Our strong ﬁnancial position allows us to deliver new projects, maintain our assets, and support the liveability and resilience of our communities.”