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We have adopted our 2024-25 Budget, a $703.6 million financial plan that will allow us to maintain and upgrade existing facilities and services while planning for a brighter future for current and future residents.
We will spend $231 million in this Budget on capital projects, and $472 million on core operations.
On this page, you will find information regarding major projects, a breakdown of budget spend, information regarding residential general rates and residential water rates as well as other residential charges and levies.
Emmanulla Drive, Reservoir Upgrade - $1.6 million
Gowrie Creek Trunk Sewer Upgrade - $3.9 million
Highfields Trunk Water Mains - $573,000
Cressbrook Dam Safety Improvement Project - $110.6 million
Mt Rascal Road, Vale View Residential New Pipeline - $1.5 million
Smart Water Meters Project - $3.3 million
Aquatic Facilities Renewal - $450,000
Community Safety and Asset Security - $450,000
Customer Experience Together - $480,000
SES Building Renewal - $100,000
Toowoomba CBD Public Amenities - $400,000
Flood recovery program - $22.5 million
Annual Lower Order Road Upgrade Program - $2 million
Branchview Road Bridge Renewal - $2.5 million
Highfields Road Construction Projects - numerous projects with individual budgets
Melrose Road, Brookstead Bridge Renewal - $3 million
Greenmount Waste Management Facility Upgrade - $300,000
Toowoomba Waste Centre Vertical Expansion - Stage 3 and 4 - $5.5 million
Freyling Park, Kearneys Spring Upgrade - $262,000
Kearneys Spring Recreation Clubhouse - $2.4 million
Lucy Street Park, Cambooya Upgrade - $533,000
Play Facilities Renewal Program - $839,000
Sport and Fitness Assets Renewal - $845,000
Toowoomba Region Sports Precinct - $2.7 million
A full list of the Capital Projects which were approved as part of the 2024-25 Budget are available below. The data in this listing is subject to review and change throughout the course of the financial year.
Capital projects
The average rates and charges increase across the whole Region for our five biggest residential categories is 6.08%. This includes City urban A, City urban B, Outer urban, Main towns and Other towns. Individual properties will vary depending on land valuation changes and general rate category changes.
The average residential property in Toowoomba City (City Urban Residential A) will increase in general rates by 5.01%. The average residential property increase across the whole Region for general rates is 5.75%. These are based on the average unimproved residential land value, however the impact on individual properties will vary depending on land valuation changes and general rate category changes.
Open a location below to view more detailed information:
Average land value in category*: $196,460.
The amount you paid in 2023/24 would have been: $1,480.
The amount you'll pay in 2024/25 will be: $1,554.
This equals a dollar increase of: $74 and a percentage increase of: 5.01%.
* Land values are set by the Queensland State Government.
These are based on the average unimproved residential land value, however the impact on individual properties will vary depending on land valuation changes and general rate category changes.
Average land value in category*: $543,756.
The amount you paid in 2023/24 would have been: $3,696.
The amount you'll pay in 2024/25 will be: $3,871.
This equals a dollar increase of: $175 and a percentage increase of: 4.73%.
Average land value in category*: $226,179.
The amount you paid in 2023/24 would have been: $1,383.
The amount you'll pay in 2024/25 will be: $1,467.
This equals a dollar increase of: $84 and a percentage increase of: 6.10%.
Average land value in category*: $106,545.
The amount you paid in 2023/24 would have been: $1,058.
The amount you'll pay in 2024/25 will be: $1,164.
This equals a dollar increase of: $106 and a percentage increase of: 10.00%.
Average land value in category*: $138,657.
The amount you paid in 2023/24 would have been: $935.
The amount you'll pay in 2024/25 will be: $1,028.
This equals a dollar increase of: $93 and a percentage increase of: 10.00%.
Council is determined to tackle long-term economic challenges head-on. Over the past two years, as part of our planning for the future, we have undertaken a wide-ranging review of its rates and charges with the focus on attaining long-term financial sustainability. This included using industry-best standards including benchmarking against neighbouring local government areas as well as similar-sized councils throughout the state including ‘like-for-like’ comparisons for main towns and small towns. As well as looking externally, Council considered the level of rates generated across and within our own general rates categories to ensure a meaningful and fair contribution to the general rates collected.
We engaged in this review process as part of a wider process to improve efficiencies and reduce costs. The findings of this review identified some inequities in the way rates were charged across our differential general rate categories. Our Region is very complex compared to other local government areas across the state. For this reason, Council has many differing rating classes including city and outer urban areas, main towns, small towns, extensive rural areas, commercial and general industrial areas, mines and power generation. All of these have differing levels of service and are charged differing rates.
Getting the balance right takes some fine-tuning from year to year. These tweaks to the system will be undertaken under a ‘multi-year approach’.
We are not moving to make all rates the same across the region. We understand that Toowoomba City receives a premium level of services compared to other areas and should pay higher rates when compared to the regional areas. This will continue to be the case and our smaller towns will pay less than the city, however, adjustments need to be made to make it more equitable for all.
As an organisation, it is important to take into consideration how we can best support all ratepayers facing financial hardship in the current financial climate, while still enabling the Council to fund and deliver services that are valued in all our communities.
Ensuring Council’s financial stability is not an easy task, and it needs a range of measures over time to achieve true sustainability.
Water rates are in two categories - bulk water supply scheme and the non-bulk water supply scheme.
This scheme services the City of Toowoomba as well as the towns and localities of Birnam, Blue Mountain Heights, Cabarlah, Cawdor, Charlton, Cotswold Hills, Crows Nest, Geham, Glenvale, Goombungee, Gowrie Junction, Gowrie Mountain, Grapetree, Hampton, Highfields, Hodgson Vale, Jondaryan, Kingsthorpe, Kleinton, Lilyvale, Meringandan, Meringandan West, Merritts Creek, Mount Rascal, Oakey, Pechey, Preston, Spring Bluff, Top Camp, Torrington, Wellcamp, Westbrook, Woolmer and Wyreema.
The infrastructure charge you paid in 2023/24 would have been $631.
The infrastructure charge you'll pay in 2024/25 will be $672.
This equals a dollar increase of $41 and a percentage increase of 6.49%.
Costs and percentages include the on-time payment discount.
Based on a comparison water use figure of 182kL.
Your water consumption charge in 2023/24 would have been $506.
Your water consumption charge in 2024/25 will be $544.
This equals a dollar increase of $38 and a percentage increase of 7.52%.
This scheme includes services in Cambooya, Cecil Plains, Clifton, Greenmount, Haden, Kulpi, Millmerran, Nobby, Pittsworth, Vale View and Yarraman.
The infrastructure charge you paid in 2023/24 would have been $431.
The infrastructure charge you'll pay in 2024/25 will be $470.
This equals a dollar increase of $40 and a percentage increase of 9.27%.
Cost and percentages include the on-time payment discount.
Based on a comparison water use of 182kL.
Your water consumption charge in 2023/24 would have been $372.
Your water consumption charge in 2024/25 will be $411.
This equals a dollar increase of $39 and a percentage increase of 10.62%.
We have put a pause on the Park and Open Space Levy along with the Biosecurity and Bushland Conservation Levy.
For dwellings within a waste collection area, the waste collection service charge for a 240L general waste bin and a 240L recycling bin in 2023/24 was $293.
In 2024/25 it has changed to $307.
This equals a dollar increase of under $15 and a percentage increase of 5.00%.
For properties within a wastewater service area, the wastewater charge in 2023/24 was $502.
In 2024/25 this has changed to $532.
This equals a dollar increase of under $30 and a percentage increase of 5.95%.
For the small number of properties in Crows Nest and Cambooya on a Common Effluent Disposal system, your wastewater charge in 2023/24 was $251.
In 2024/25 this has changed to $266.
This equals a dollar increase of under $15 and a percentage increase of 5.95%.
This was previously known as the Environmental Levy. This levy funds planning, delivery and improvement of new and existing waste management facilities and the rehabilitation of closed landfill sites.
In 2023/24 the Environmental Levy was $73.
In 2024/25 the Waste Facilities and Landfill Rehabilitation Levy was set at $77.
This equals a dollar increase of under $4 and a percentage increase of 5.95%.
This is a new levy in 2024/25. It has been introduced taking into consideration community feedback over many years. It will give us greater leverage in advocating to the State Government on improvements that are much needed to our Region’s public transport network.
This levy is set at $39.80 for the full year.
The introduction of the Public Transport Levy will allow Council to progress and partner with the Queensland State Government to deliver key elements of the Sustainable Transport Strategy 2023 which would not be able to be delivered in a business-as-usual approach.
Funds from the levy will allow us to advocate to the State Government for support on additional public transport services that our growing region needs and deserves.
The Public Transport Levy has been included on all rate notices as a ‘Separate Charge’ levied equally on all rateable land across the Toowoomba region.
We are committed to ensuring the sustainable development of transport in our Region.
Sustainable transport is about making the best use of our current systems (with a key focus on Active and Public Transport opportunities) ensuring we serve the needs of our community, making sure our Region is an attractive, healthy and affordable place to live.
The aim of the 2023 Toowoomba Region Sustainable Transport Strategy is to:
Read a copy of the Toowoomba Region Sustainable Transport Strategy 2023 here.
No. The Public Transport Levy comes at no net increase to ratepayers as it replaces the previous ‘Park and Open Space’ and ‘Biosecurity and Bushland Conversation’ levies, both of which have funds set aside to be used for the purposes of their previous collection.
The Public Transport Levy is $39.80 per year for each rateable property in the Toowoomba Regional Council area which was the total amount of the previous ‘Park and Open Space’ and ‘Biosecurity and Bushland Conversation’ levies combined.
Councillor deliberations for the introduction of a Public Transport Levy included ensuring that Toowoomba regional townships benefited through better public transport connectivity. The Toowoomba region covers 13,000 square kilometres and for townships to be connected through a coordinated public transport network is something we should aspire to. Without a financial commitment to making a start, we can't expect anything to change. We are well aware many of our rural townships and areas have no or limited access to public transport options, this is a major reason we need to change our approach.
Yes you can. We welcome community feedback on the delivery of improved public transport services across the region. Email info@tr.qld.gov.au with your suggestions.
Yes it is. However, Council's advocacy efforts to the Queensland State Government for improved public transport services for the Toowoomba region over many years has resulted in feedback from the State that, without a financial contribution from us, improved services simply won’t be delivered. We can now advocate to the State Government, with specific funds set aside, to improve services for the Toowoomba region.
No it isn’t. The State Government trial of 50 cent fares for Translink services is a separate matter for the State Government. Our new levy does not and will not subsidise that in any way.
The introduction of the levy has the backing of the Queensland State Government Minister for Transport and Main Roads Bart Mellish who recently commented:
“This is a great example of what can be achieved when councils work together with the State Government.”
“This will mean improvements in public transport services for Toowoomba residents, as we look to take public transport to more and more Queenslanders.”
“I commend the Toowoomba Regional Council for taking the initiative to deliver better services for residents.”
My fellow Councillors, staff, ladies and gentlemen, I am pleased to table Toowoomba Regional Council’s 2024-25 Budget and Operational Plan.
This $703.6 million financial plan will allow Council to maintain and upgrade existing facilities and services while planning for a brighter future for current and successive generations.
Today’s Budget draws on the combined talents of Council’s Financial Services team in collaboration with all operational areas across Council.
I thank my Council colleagues for their input in developing this Budget which will see Council continue to deliver essential services for our growing Region.
The Budget reflects the priorities outlined in the Operational Plan for the 2024-25 financial year, and Council’s Corporate Plan 2024-2029, which will come into effect on July 1.
We remain mindful of the cost-of-living pressures that continue to challenge families right across the Toowoomba Region.
That is why we’ve delivered a cautious and considered financial plan with a responsible rate rise.
The general rate will rise 5 per cent for an average residential property in Tmba City, with the majority of urban residential ratepayers facing an average increase of $3.91 per week which includes all rates and charges. Keeping in mind changes will of course depend on individual circumstances.
We’ve reviewed and streamlined the levies we apply to each property, putting a pause on two levies, replacing them with a Public Transport Levy.
This new levy has been introduced taking into consideration community feedback over many years. This new levy will give Council greater leverage in advocating to the State Government on improvements that are much needed to our Region’s public transport network.
Our $703.6 million operational and capital works program once again delivers projects and services to support our growing communities across the Toowoomba Region.
Council will spend $231 million in this Budget on capital projects.
Projects like the Kearneys Spring Clubhouse and amenities building, continuing the roll-out of smart water meters, replacing timber bridges in key rural locations, upgrading formed and unformed lower order roads, renewing playground equipment in the parks of our regional towns and undertaking a business case exploring options for the future location and functionality of the Toowoomba Regional Art Gallery, are all included in this year’s budget.
We’re spending $472 million on our core Council operations to deliver essential services to our residents, ensuring waste is collected, parks and gardens are maintained, libraries and recreation facilities remain open and that clean and safe drinking water flows from the taps of homes right across the Region.
Council remains committed to implementing a responsible and calculated financial approach in its Budget planning and delivery and has budgeted for a surplus of $937,000 this coming financial year.
Council’s obligation to maintain our existing infrastructure and our ability to manage our $6.2 billion asset base across 13,000km² is a key performance indicator by which we are evaluated by the Queensland Treasury Corporation, which has recently affirmed our financial position as Sound with a Neutral outlook.
$98.2 million is set aside in this Budget for Capital Works Projects across the Region plus a further $22.5 million for the ongoing Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DFRA) Flood Recovery Program and $110.6 million for the Cressbrook Dam Safety Improvement Project.
Increases to the cost of living is having significant impacts on our operations with Council continuing to shoulder many cost increases on behalf of our ratepayers.
A key example of this is that Council expects our insurance premiums to increase almost $900,000 in 2024-25, an increase of more than 30 per cent across some of our insurance products, an increase that is simply unavoidable but ultimately impacts our bottom line.
An extra $100,000 is also allocated this year for Council to deal with the continued rise in electricity costs.
Despite many external demands, Council continues to work in accordance with our long-term financial sustainability parameters to ensure we budget for essential capital works and services that support our communities for the coming year and into the future.
Council’s overall operational and capital expenditure parameters are based on our 10-year Long Term Financial Forecast (LTFF), which is not only adopted by Council, but overseen by the Department of Local Government, the Queensland Treasury Corporation and Queensland Audit Office.
In the coming year, the major areas of capital expenditure will include:
We will continue to advocate for our fair share of funding to achieve our community goals and ambitions.
This includes continued advocacy to assist Council to deliver the Cressbrook Dam Safety Improvement Project. Council’s Business Case on the project will soon be before the State Government for their consideration.
More broadly, we need appropriate and equitable funding allocations from higher levels of government to support our efforts in delivering essential services to our community.
TRC continues to back the Australian Local Government Association’s campaign calling for a fixed 1% share of Commonwealth tax revenue for local government to aid long-term financial planning.
Restoring this non-competitive funding stream would improve Council’s targeted Budget planning and offer greater operational efficiency.
Local government cannot carry the full cost of providing essential infrastructure, in addition to meeting residents’ growing expectations across our other activities.
Communities are getting less than their fair share of funding and it is ratepayers who will be left to pick up the tab if this trend continues.
Local government needs far greater recognition of its primary role as a community builder to address the current situation.
Figures published by the Australian Local Government Association reveal that local governments own and manage around one-third of Australia’s community infrastructure, a figure which is even higher across the Toowoomba Region with our extensive local road network and water assets.
Some of this infrastructure includes roads, footpaths, cycleways, parks and gardens, bridges, libraries, community and sporting centres/facilities, swimming pools, water and wastewater infrastructure as well as stormwater systems, all of which come with replacement costs totalling hundreds of billions of dollars nationally.
In our Region, Council is committed to working with our local suppliers. We proudly promote our Procurement Policy, which was enhanced at the start of the pandemic in 2020, and continues to pay dividends.
In the current financial year to May 2024, Council spent $198 million with local suppliers. This equates to hitting our 60 per cent target of our total expenditure year to date, with additional payments to be made in June.
In delivering today’s Budget, I particularly wish to acknowledge and thank:
Your assistance is greatly appreciated.
We are confident that our cautious financial approach, and our planning for the future, means that our Region will continue to grow and prosper with our Rich Traditions and Bold Ambitions.
Thank you.
Watch the Special meeting for the 24/25 budget.
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