Council focuses on maintaining affordability reputation

Published on 21 May 2026

Gympie Regional Council is continuing to prioritise affordability for residents as it develops its 2026/27 Budget, despite ongoing economic and cost pressures facing local government.

Council currently manages 40 services to the community and more than $2.6 billion in assets. However, when compared to other comparable regional local government areas, Gympie remains one of the most liveable and affordable options for current and new residents.

Gympie Mayor Glen Hartwig said maintaining affordability while ensuring long‑term financial sustainability remains a key focus of Council’s budget deliberations.

“Council is developing the 2026/27 Budget at a time of economic uncertainty and heightened cost pressures,” Mayor Hartwig said.

“Global events continue to drive increases in fuel prices, which flow through to supply chains and the cost of materials, construction and contracted services. These impacts are often felt more acutely in regional areas such as ours.”

“When looking at the Council Cost Index (CCI)* it was projected that cost increases for 2025/26 would be at 3.5%. In reality, we all know we are seeing cost pressures well beyond that.

“However, when we compare our property rates, including water, waste and rubbish collection we continue to offer value – and while we may not be the cheapest, we are very far from being the most expensive council when it comes to rates.”

Mayor Hartwig said comparisons with neighbouring and similar councils, when considered alongside Gympie’s geographic size and population, continued to show the region was a highly attractive place to live.

“With the end of the financial year fast approaching, and as we work on the detail of the new 2026/27 budget, our aim is to keep that competitive edge.

“We will continue to look at where we can do things smarter to save costs while continuing to prioritise the projects that are needed by, and important to, this community.”

Council expects to deliver its 2026/27 budget in July.

* Note: provides an indicator of cost increases across a range of infrastructure and services delivered by Queensland local government.

ENDS