General News
23 July, 2025
Flinders Shire increases its rates by 3.9 per cent
The Hughenden-based council passed its 2025-26 budget last week.
Flinders Shire Council has passed its 2025-26 budget, which it says is shaped around the principle of “bringing it back to community”, with a renewed focus on essential infrastructure, long-term financial sustainability, and delivering practical outcomes that meet local needs.
Mayor Kate Peddle said the $50 million budget reflected the council’s commitment to aligning its resources with community priorities, while continuing to advocate for investment to address long-standing underfunding in water, sewerage, and core infrastructure.
“This year’s budget is all about putting our people first,” she said.
“Every investment decision has been shaped by its value to our residents, and we are focused on delivering essential services and infrastructure that make a real difference to everyday life across the shire.”
The total proposed expenditure for 2025-26 is $49,994,074.
This includes core services, capital works, and infrastructure investment, with a continued push to attract external funding and create local economic opportunities – particularly through agriculture, business services, and renewable energy.
The council has also delivered a general rate rise of 3.9 per cent, which it says balances revenue needs with compassion during ongoing cost-of-living pressures.
Notably, only 15 per cent of the council’s revenue comes from rates, and none of its services are cost-recovered, with the remainder heavily subsidised.
At the centre of this year’s budget is a major investment in the region’s ageing water and sewerage systems.
“We are addressing the critical infrastructure challenges that have affected our community for far too long,” Cr Peddle said.
Key projects include:
Replacement of remaining cast-iron water mains in western Hughenden;
Upgrading and connecting Bores 2, 5, 7, and 9 to SCADA systems;
A new inlet screen at the sewerage treatment plant;
New sewer mains and upgraded sewerage pump stations;
Planning for a new water treatment plant and reservoir to secure long-term supply.
Cr Peddle said the council estimated a total $35 million was required for a permanent fix to water and sewerage services and continues to seek support from the state government’s $2 billion Residential Activation Fund – at the same time potentially unlocking more than 200 new homes.
To help prioritise asset management and community investment, capital plant purchases have been reduced from $6.1 million to $2.6 million.
The mayor said the council was also investing in a range of community-focused projects.
These include:
Repair and expansion of the footpath network;
Sealing and maintenance of town streets;
Irrigation system installation for town beautification
Cr Peddle also highlighted the need for fairer federal funding, noting the steady decline in Commonwealth financial assistance grants over recent decades.
“These grants now represent just 0.5 per cent of national tax revenue – a long way from the one per cent that is needed to adequately support local councils,” she said.
“Alongside the LGAQ, we will continue to fight for restoration of this critical funding stream so regional councils like ours aren’t forced to raise rates to fill the gap.
“Councils are being asked to do more with less, especially in areas that require major investment.”