Cost recovery, sustainability focus for 2026-27 fees and charges
Published on 28 May 2026
The Cassowary Coast Regional Council has endorsed the 2026-27 Register of Fees and Charges at the May 2026 Local Government Meeting, which takes effect from 1 July 2026.
Fees and charges ensure Council can recover the costs of providing specific services, facilities and activities used by individuals rather than asking all ratepayers to wear these costs.
Fees and charges, along with rates, also help Council to meet its 2025–2030 Integrated Corporate and Operational Plan commitments and achieve its vision for the Cassowary Coast to be the most liveable tropical community.
Council was mindful of the current economic climate and aimed to ensure most fees and charges for 2026-27 were only adjusted due to inflation.
Mayor Teresa Millwood said the 2026-27 schedule reflected the Council’s aim to recover costs and reduce the impost on ratepayers through general rates.
“These decisions are never easy however I believe we’ve struck the right balance in terms of fairness, cost recovery, and sustainability,” Mayor Millwood said.
“We have reduced or retained fees and charges wherever we could, and most increases are in line with indexation.
“Our approach for 2026-27 means we can continue to offer quality services without overly burdening ratepayers or compromising long-term sustainability.”
The 2026-27 Register was developed in line with the annual budget process and involved extensive internal preparations, consultation and workshops.
Key changes for 2026-27 include but are not limited to:
- To make it easier and more convenient for residents to clean up their properties, especially ahead of wet seasons, two free waste vouchers will be provided to residential ratepayers per year. The vouchers will replace the domestic clean-up weekends previously offered. More information about the waste vouchers will shortly be communicated to the public.
- We have reduced property search fees that include water meter readings, which reflects efficiencies gained through smart water meter readings.
- There are modest increases to charges for small, medium and large domestic waste loads in line with indexation.
- We are increasing animal release fees for the second, third and subsequent releases of impounded dogs and cats. Some animals are being impounded multiple times, and this imposes increased costs for Council in terms of staffing and facilities.
- We have introduced a new fee for non-residents of the Cassowary Coast who purchase a plot or internment in a Cassowary Coast cemetery. This recognises the need to ensure the Cassowary Coast has the capacity in its cemeteries for residents into the future.
Residents are encouraged to visit the Council’s website to view the Fees and Charges Schedule for 2026-27: www.cassowarycoast.qld.gov.au/Our-Council/About-Council/Fees-and-Charges
Updated forms to reflect the 2026-27 fees and charges will be available on the Council’s website from 1 July 2026.