Council Hands Down 'Budget For Our Times'

Published on 18 June 2025

Mount Isa City Council today (Wednesday 18 June) handed down its 2025-26 Budget, which totals $125.9 million and features a $26.9 million capital works budget and a 3.2% general rates increase – the equivalent of $2.60 a week – for residential properties that are the primary place of residence.

Mayor Peta MacRae said Council was keenly aware of the economic uncertainty Mount Isa faces as a result of the upcoming underground copper mine closure and potential future smelter issues.

“While we are confident these will be resolved, we recognise this lingering uncertainty does place great stress on households and businesses moving forward,” Cr MacRae said.

“It is always Council’s intention to keep rates as low as possible, particularly for principal places of residence. Our strategy as a Council is to encourage people to work and invest where they live.”

Cr MacRae said Council would continue to access the $6.8 million from the State Government’s Mount Isa Transition Fund to use to progress the projects outlined in the Future Ready Economy Roadmap, to help diversify and strengthen Mount Isa’s economy.

The capital works program for 2025-26 includes:

• $5 million for water mains network reconfiguration works;
•  $2.74 million for the construction of Stage 1 of the John Campbell Miles Lookout;
•  $1.8 million for Stage 2 of the PCNP shared footpath on Fourth Avenue;
•  $1.3 million for local road resurfacing and rejuvenation works; and
•  $1.1 million for culvert, stormwater, and drainage repairs.

There is $2.4 million in carryover capital works projects from 2024-25, including $400,000 for the Miles Street carpark and EV charging station, $110,00 for the Ryan Road sewerage extension, and $200,000 for road culvert rehabilitation works.

There will also be a significant investment in disaster management, with a $400,000 upgrade of the evacuation centre kitchen at Buchanan Park, as well as $400,000 for digital illuminated flood warning signs. Both of these projects are fully funded through government grants.

Cr MacRae said Council had made a strong commitment to Mount Isa’s rural residents in terms of biosecurity, feral animal management, and truck washdown facilities.

The 2025-26 budget includes a total of $300,000 – or $150,000 each – in capital works expenditure for the upgrade of both the Mount Isa and the Camooweal stockyard facilities.

She said Council is also committed to seeking future funding opportunities for the Mount Isa Mine Workers’ Memorial.

“We will be seeking support to progress this project, both to commemorate the people that have given their lives in service of our town, and for city beautification, liveability, and somewhere of interest for tourists to visit,” Cr MacRae said.

Services and operating costs this year are $97.6 million, and there will be an operational deficit of $2.3 million. Water charges overall will reduce by 0.9%, while sewer charges will increase by 3.9%, and waste charges by 7.3%. Council is taking on nil new borrowings for the 2025-26 financial year.

“Mount Isa City Council is responsible for maintaining, upgrading, and repairing $1 billion worth of infrastructure in Mount Isa, which is why we’re committed to continually seeking funding for these vital works,” Cr MacRae said.

“I’m also pleased to see that, as an organisation, Council is putting a strong focus on improving staff retention and stability, as that’s how we create value – through people being engaged and striving to do the best for our community and living the Mount Isa City Council values of Integrity, Service, and Accountability.”

Budget Quick Facts

• A 3.2% general rates increase – the equivalent of $2.60 a week – for residential properties that are the primary place of residence.
•  The total budget for 2024-25 is $125.9 million.
•  A capital works program of $26.9 million – about $11.1 million (or 41%) will be funded by grants revenue from the State Government or Federal Government.
•  For 2025-26, Council is expected to have an operating revenue of $106.58 million and an operational expenditure of $97.55 million.
• Nil new borrowings for 2025-26.