Annual Plan and Budget Estimates 2026-27

Published on 24 June 2026

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Council has adopted its Annual Plan and Budget Estimates at its June Council meeting.


Budget Highlights

Responsible Financial Management

✔ Modest average rate increase of 3.95%

✔ 0% increase for CBD properties for the second year running

Investing in Renewal

✔ $29.4 million capital works program

✔ Focused on renewing existing assets and reducing maintenance backlogs

Community and Events

✔ Continued investment in tourism, events and Burnie Arts

✔ Bicentenary celebrations planned for 2027

Waste Charges

✔ Kerbside landfill and recycling charges unchanged

✔ FOGO charge maintained

New Initiatives

✔ Lifetime dog registrations introduced

✔ No fee for street dining

✔ Early bird parking returns to the Multi Storey Car Park

Property Revaluation

✔ Around one-third of residential properties are expected to see a reduction in their general rate

 

Major Projects

$5.2 million for CBD and waterfront initiatives
$4 million for Upper Natone Road improvements at Horseshoe Bend
$3 million for road resealing and resheeting
$2.3 million for sports ground lighting upgrades
$1.8 million for Aquatic Centre renewal projects and electrification works
$1.2 million for stormwater projects
$600,000 to commence the West Park Precinct Master Plan
$320,000 for disability access improvements

 

 

Annual Plan Actions

Making an active town centre

  • Progress the Waterfront redevelopment incorporating extension of shared pathway and accessibility improvements
  • Install improved bicycle parking facilities in the CBD and secure bicycle parking in the Marine Terrace Car Park for commuters
  • Progress CBD enhancements in line with the adopted Urban Plan Style Guide
  • Complete the Waterfront playground redevelopment as part of the Urban Plan

 

Making liveable local communities

  • Work with Cradle Coast Authority to finalise Coastal Pathway feasibility and design
  • Collaborate on creating a sub-regional tourism destination marketing plan
  • Undertake a traffic study and implement solutions for Van Diemen’s Crescent – Mooreville Road
  • Review and update the Road Network Strategy


Making sustainably built and natural environments

  • Progress year 2 works under the Urban Rivers Project aimed at improving Romaine and Shorewell Creek catchments
  • Undertake a Shorewell Creek Flood Study
  • Commence the gas heating conversion at the Burnie Aquatic Centre
  • Prepare mapping of unserviced stormwater gaps and develop a priority program for roll-out
  • Undertake an industrial land supply and demand analysis (to complement the Statewide Industrial Land Study) for Greater Burnie over the next 20 years


Making culturally rich and vibrant communities

  • Coordinate a program of activities to mark the Bicentenary of Burnie
  • Improve Council’s volunteer management framework to strengthen recruitment, volunteer wellbeing and retention
  • Implement and launch public online access to the Burnie Arts Collections
  • Develop and launch an Education and Public Programs Strategy for Burnie Arts

 

Making democratic and engaged communities

  • Support the 2026 local government elections through candidate sessions, revised induction process, and a new learning and development program for all councillors
  • Continue to progress the asset disposal program
  • Undertake negotiations to complete a new Enterprise Agreement
  • Undertake a review of lease, fee and service level structures for sporting clubs and community groups that use Council owned facilities

 

 

Changes to Rates 2026-27

General rates will increase by an average of 3.95% across most properties, while CBD properties will receive a 0% increase for the second consecutive year as Council continues its efforts to stimulate investment and activity within the city centre.

The draft budget has also been prepared alongside Burnie's six-year property revaluation undertaken by the Office of the Valuer-General. The revaluation has resulted in significant shifts in property values across the municipality, with approximately one-third of residential properties expected to see a reduction in their general rate.


Council expenditure by purpose per $100 spent
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Rates and Charges 2026-27 (TBC and linked here)

 

 


The actions outlined in this Annual Plan represent the next stage in delivering the community's vision for Making a Better Burnie 2044.

They focus on practical improvements that enhance liveability, support economic development, protect our environment, celebrate our unique culture and heritage, and strengthen community connection.

Through these actions, Council will continue to invest in the people, places and services that contribute to Burnie's long-term success.

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