SUNSHINE Coast Council has adopted its 2025-26 Budget, which was a challenging one to deliver. The bottom-line results in a 7.4 per cent increase in general rates and a significant increase in waste charges (to reflect the full cost of providing waste services). Council will deliver a modest operating surplus.
As a relatively new Councillor, it’s a frustrating position for our organisation and ratepayers to be in. Over the past six years, Council has had five operating deficits in the millions – it’s evident we have to do better and making tough financial decisions was the starting point in this budget, which is why I supported it. Council has sought to reduce the impact of the rate rise on the most vulnerable in our community by increasing the pensioner concession in line with the rate rise and reducing interest on rates in arrears to the lowest possible extent.
Delivering for our community
Despite the financial challenges being faced as a Council and as ratepayers, there are some really significant infrastructure wins that will be delivered in Division 8 because of this budget.
These projects include delivering the much-anticipated South Coolum Road Pathway between Warrack and Scottlynd Street, toilets at Mount Coolum, kerb and channelling along east Sundew Street in Mudjimba, accessibility improvements at Beach Access 94, playground renewals in Yaroomba and Mount Coolum, and design work to improve other parks in Pacific Paradise and Marcoola. There’s a lot more right across Division 8 and the region.
New motorway entry
The most significant win is the bringing forward of detailed design work to extend Suncoast Beach Drive and South Coolum Road to create a new entry to the Sunshine Motorway at Mount Coolum, in conjunction with the State Government.
This is a project that has been talked about for longer than I’ve been alive (nearly 34 years), and I’m grateful to have worked closely with Council staff and advocated to start detailed design on this important road network upgrade that will improve safety and reduce congestion.
Keeping you connected
Please keep an eye on my Facebook page for the latest Division 8 news and information by searching ‘Councillor Taylor Bunnag – Division 8, Sunshine Coast Regional Council’.