Maintaining core services
Date published: 18 June 2025
Council’s 2025/26 Budget and Operational Plan is underpinned by the delivery of everyday core services that keep Townsville running smoothly.
From safe drinking water and weekly bin collections to well-maintained roads and footpaths, Acting Mayor Ann-Maree Greaney said the new budget reflects a clear and continued commitment to maintaining and improving the core services that form the foundation of a liveable and well-managed city.
“This budget is about investing in what matters most to our community - the basics, the services our community rely on every day, while keeping any rises to rates at a minimum,” Cr Greaney said.
“Clean water, efficient waste collection, safe roads and reliable infrastructure aren’t luxuries, they are services our more than 87,000 ratepayers expect, which is why $613.6 million is committed to deliver, maintain and improve the services that support daily life in our city.”
Capital investment
As one of Australia’s fastest growing regional centres Council maintains over $9 billion worth of assets including an extensive network of roads, water and wastewater infrastructure.
“As a local government, our responsibilities are broad and vital, we deliver more than any level of government, often with the least funding, so it’s imperative we get the balance right to ensure what we deliver is sustainable and meets the needs of our community,” Cr Greaney said.
A major shift in this year’s budget is the move from an annual capital plan to a three-year rolling capital plan (2026–2028).
“This change allows for smarter scheduling, reduces bottlenecks, and provides flexibility in forward-planning based on emerging needs and community benefit,” Cr Greaney said.
“Wet season and recovery works can often mean our capital works program faces delays, this three-year program will enable our team to better plan and execute jobs across the city.”
- 2025/2026 Total capital investment: $352.2m
Water and wastewater
Council will continue to invest in safe, secure and reliable water services to meet the needs of a growing population. Preventative maintenance is a key focus in 2025/26 to ensure critical infrastructure like treatment plants, reservoirs, and pipelines continue operating efficiently and safely.
“By staying ahead of potential issues, Council can reduce long-term costs, minimise service disruptions, and protect one of our most vital resources,” Cr Greaney said.
Council's 2025/26 budget will also include significant investment into the city’s 1400 km wastewater network with a $3 million program of works to reline and repair sewer mains and $2 million in treatment plant renewal works in addition to scheduled maintenance.
- Water Infrastructure and services: $210.7m
- Wastewater Infrastructure and Services: $99.1m
- Drainage and stormwater infrastructure and maintenance: $22.2m
Roads
“$233.6 million has been allocated to keeping our community moving by maintaining and building on Council’s road and transport network which includes more than 600 kilometres of footpath and 1800 kilometres of local roads,” Cr Greaney said.
This includes an $8 million program of works to renew local roads and the finalisation of the design for the Lionel Turner Drive, Liberty Drive and the Bayswater Road extension.
- Road infrastructure and maintenance: $233.6m
Waste management (resource recovery)
Councillor Greaney said as the city’s population continued to grow, so too did the demand on infrastructure, particularly waste management (resource recovery).
“One cost that continues to rise is how we manage our city’s waste. With the State Government’s waste levy increasing, Council is ramping up efforts to divert waste from landfill through smarter planning, innovation, and operational efficiencies,” Cr Greaney said.
“From vehicle route optimisation to improved infrastructure and better community education, we’re building a long-term strategy to cut waste and reduce costs.”
Each week more than 84,000 domestic waste services are delivered across Townsville, supported by five waste transfer stations and one active landfill receiving nearly 275,000 tonnes annually.
“We’re continuing our ongoing services such as kerbside bin collection, free recycling and green waste drop-off, and the annual kerbside hard waste collection at a cost of $70.2 million,” Cr Greaney said.
“This year’s budget also brings exciting news for a new future for the infrastructure that previously held the Hervey Range Tip shop, which will be announced very soon.”
- Waste infrastructure and Services: $70.2 million
Cr Greaney said the 2025/26 Budget was the result of a collaborative process, shaped over several months and numerous workshops, with buy in from all councillors.
“Post-COVID councils are operating in a very different environment, one that demands greater efficiency, transparency and accountability in how we deliver for our community. This budget strikes the right balance between maintaining the core services our residents rely on today and investing in the long-term growth and liveability of our city.” she said.
Visit Budget 2025/26 for more information.
Fast Facts
- Water infrastructure and services: $210.7 million
- Wastewater infrastructure and services: $99.1 million
- Waste infrastructure and services: $70.2 million
- Road infrastructure and maintenance: $233.6 million
- Drainage and stormwater infrastructure and maintenance: $22.2 million
Capital investment only
- Total Capital investment: $352.2 million
- Water Services: $79.9 million
- Wastewater: $18.1 million
- Roads and Transport: $83 million
- Resource Recovery: $15.3 million
- Drainage and Stormwater: $4.3 million
Please note: some expenditure may appear in multiple categories.
