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Brisbane City Council Sets 2026/2027 Budget and Reviews Cyclone Response
Council has approved a rate increase while releasing findings on its handling of Tropical Cyclone Alfred and other projects.
How we reported this
Brisbane City Council has implemented a 3.97% rate hike as part of its 2026/2027 budget. The council cited rising fuel prices and Middle East conflict among the factors behind the decision.
Budget Figures and Debt Position
The total budget stands at $3.9 billion. This represents a $200 million reduction from the previous year. The council has committed to repaying $557 million in existing debt without taking on new borrowing. It allocated $135 million for Story Bridge repairs as part of a broader 20-year renewal plan estimated at $3.6 billion ahead of the 2032 Olympics. Council is pursuing an 80/10/10 funding split with 80% from federal sources, 10% from the state and 10% local.
Cyclone Alfred Assessment
A review of the council response to Tropical Cyclone Alfred found it performed very well. The emergency dashboard recorded over 1.6 million accesses. Staff distributed 527,000 sandbags. The council spent $11 million on Alfred-related activities, of which $10.1 million went to road maintenance.
Additional Council Actions
The 2025 State of the City report confirmed the Brisbane economy exceeded $200 billion. Council adopted a 23% citywide tree canopy goal through its Public Tree Inventory and Management Plan. It also approved the Parcel R Park Development Plan for phased construction. Under the Better Suburbs Places and Spaces initiative, new street trees and upgraded footpaths are being delivered in Nundah. Nearly $65,000 in Native Wildlife Carers Grants were awarded. Separate reports on Story Bridge condition led to a decision for partial footpath closures following assessments from 1990 to 2025.
Residents can check the Brisbane City Council website for details on how the rate changes apply to individual properties and for updates on the Story Bridge works program.