Draft Annual Plan and Budget Estimates 2026-27

$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

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

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.

Rates and Charges 2026-27 (TBC and linked here)