Operational Plan and Budget 2026-27

Mayor's message

The Gold Coast is a city on the move, growing into one of the world's most desirable lifestyle destinations.

As the second largest local government in the country, we are committed to delivering the essential services, infrastructure and planning Gold Coasters rely on every day.

Through responsible financial management and a clear focus on the future, we are supporting a growing city while protecting the lifestyle that makes the Gold Coast such a great place to live, work and invest.

Tom Tate
Mayor

Operational Plan and Budget 2026—2027 Register of Fees and Charges 2026—2027 Budget supporting documents

Our financial snapshot

$2.7 billion

total budget

$2.4 billion

total revenue

$1.6 billion

services and operating costs

$1.0 billion

total capital investment

$24.1 billion

total assets

$321 million

increase in community wealth

$1.2 billion

total debt

$119 million

debt repayments

Budget highlights

Pizzey Park Masterplan, Miami

Enhancing Pizzey Park's sport, recreation and community facilities.

Aerial plan showing proposed resource recovery facility

Advanced Resource Recovery Centre

Investing in the Advanced Resource Recovery Centre to recover resources and divert up to 97% of waste from landfill.

Nature Based Tourism

Growing nature-based tourism experiences across the Gold Coast.

Drawing of the Mudgeerabah Aquatic Centre project plan

Mudgeeraba Pool renewal

Upgrading the Mudgeeraba Aquatic Centre to improve community aquatic and recreation facilities.

Bridge replacement Cassowary Drive, Burleigh Waters

Replacing the Cassowary Drive Bridge to ensure a modern, safer and more resilient transport link.

Old Pacific Highway and Mebbin Street, Pimpama

$6 million road upgrade to improve safety and access to public transport.

Safety camera network

Expanding the Safety Camera Network to enhance community safety and crime prevention.

Oceanway Mermaid North

Investing in the Gold Coast Oceanway to support safer, continuous coastal pathways.

Interactive map showing events and projects in your neighbourhood

My Neighbourhood

Find everything from events and activities, to local parks, Council projects, venues and facilities.

What this budget means for you

Rates

Council invests your rates back into our community. Every $100 is invested in the following city services and infrastructure.

Economic Development$14.46

City Planning$5.66

Conservation and Environment$14.61

Community Health and Safety$13.19

City Transport$24.53

Culture and Community$8.01

Parks and Recreation$19.54

Utilities (water and sewerage)

Council invests your utility charges back into our community. Every $100 is invested in the following utility services and infrastructure.

Sewage Collection and Treatment$37.62

Waste$22.60

Water$39.78

Your rates at a glance

Rates payments help fund a variety of local services and infrastructure in the community, these include but are not limited to roads, parks, waste collection, libraries, and community facilities.

A family enjoying riverside walkway with beautiful views

Valuations

The City has received new property valuations from the State Government Valuer General for 2026-27. Overall the City's total land valuation has increased by over 23%. The City will again average property valuations over 3 years to assist in managing the effect of the large valuation change on general rates. Averaged valuations for the 2026-27 financial year have increased by 15.24% for residential properties.

General rates

Principal Place of Residence property on a minimum general rate will be levied $1,358.90 - an increase of $1.17 per week.

The change in general rates for Principal Place of Residence properties paying above the minimum general rate will depend on the valuation change. Principal Place of Residence Properties with a valuation change around the City average of 15.24% will receive an increase of approximately 4.7%. Principal Place of Residence Properties with a valuation change higher or lower than 15.24% can expect a larger or smaller change respectively.

Pay on time discount

We offer a 10% discount on your general rates if you are able to pay in full by the due date.

Pensioner concessions

A discount of $298 is available to pensioners who receive 80% or more of the maximum rate of pension. In addition, the State Government offer a pensioner concession of $200 on your rates. This is available to anyone with a Pensioner Concession Card (or DVA Gold card).

Payment plans

If you can't pay the full amount of your rates and/or water bill by the due date, you can apply for a payment plan. A payment plan will give you extra time to pay, without incurring interest.

Recovery team clearing storm debris from roads

City Transport Improvement Separate Charge

This charge has increased by $12 to $242 per annum for all properties in the City.

Recreational Space Separate Charge

This charge has increase by $1.62 to $32.50 per annum for all properties in the City.

Volunteer Rural Fire Brigade Contribution Separate Charge

This charge remains at $2 per annum for all properties in the City.

Disaster Management Response and Recovery Separate Charge

This charge remains at $10 per annum for all properties in the City.

State Emergency Services Separate Charge

A charge of $5.00 will be applied equally to all rateable land. The funds raised will support the ongoing operation, maintenance and readiness of the State Emergency Services groups during storms, floods, cyclones and other emergencies.

Utilities

Water and Sewerage

The residential water access charge will be $325.40 per annum – an increase of 35 cents per week, and the sewerage charge will be $830 per annum – an increase of 90 cents per week.

These changes are required to keep pace with the increase in cost of providing these services and to adhere to the Ful Cost Pricing principles that apply to this commercialised business unit.

Waste Charges

The typical residential waste utility charge will be $502 – an increase of $1.12 per week and the Green Organics Charge and Recycling Utility charge will be $91 and $12.62 respectively.

These increases are required to keep pace with the increase in cost of providing these services and to adhere to the Full Cost Pricing principles that apply to this commercialised business unit.

$5 Gate Fee

From 1 July a $5 gate fee applies to landfill waste at Waste & Recycling Centres - Recycling and Green Organics remain free.
Learn more about the Gate Fee

Bulky kerbside collection

We will be introducing a $50 service fee for the City's on-demand bulky kerbside "FLEXiSKiP" service.
Book and learn more about FLEXiSKiP

Operational Plan and Budget Document Cover

Budget summary

Budget summary 2026-27(PDF, 386KB)