The North Burnett Regional Council in Queensland has announced a historic rate hike, blaming rising costs and stagnant growth for the decision. In its 2025-26 budget, delivered on Monday morning, the council increased general rates by 25 percent, surpassing Townsville City Council’s recent 20 percent increase for some homeowners.
In addition to the general rates, all other charges including sewerage, water, waste management, and levies for disaster response, natural resource management, and landfills have risen by 19 percent.
Mayor Les Hotz explained that the rate increase was essential to fund the council’s utilities and services without depending on additional government grants. He stated that the extra revenue generated from the higher rates and fees would reduce the council’s deficit by approximately $2.6 million, bringing it down to about $8 million by the end of the current financial year.
“We’re just trying to meet the costs without having to reach out and ask our state and federal government for assistance,” Mayor Hotz said.
While acknowledging the financial strain on residents, especially pensioners and unemployed individuals, he expressed sympathy for those struggling to cope with the increased costs.
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