2025-26 Budget Consultation
Planning for the year ahead
Cook Shire Council is preparing its 2025-26 Budget, and we’re inviting you to take part in the decision-making process. This consultation is your opportunity to provide feedback on fees and charges, capital works projects, and operational spending—helping us balance community needs with available resources.
Take the Survey & Review the Proposed Projects
We encourage all residents and ratepayers to complete the survey and reference the Capital Works Project Summaries document to make informed choices. Some of the proposed projects may be new to you, and this document provides key details on scope, purpose, and funding considerations.
View the Capital Works Project Summaries
The survey takes approximately 10 minutes and will be open until 5pm Monday 31 March. All responses can remain anonymous.
What’s Included in the Survey?
The survey will ask you to:
- Rank areas where you least want fee increases
- Prioritise key capital works projects across Cooktown, Coen, Laura, Lakeland, Ayton/Bloomfield, and Rossville/Helenvale
- Allocate funds across essential services
- Share any additional priorities or concerns
This survey is now closed
If you would like to be informed of future consultation and engagement opportunities, please email mail@cook.qld.gov.au
How the Budget is Prepared
Every year, Council must balance available funding with community needs. Revenue comes from rates, grants, fees, and charges, and is allocated to deliver essential services and infrastructure projects.
The budget process follows these key steps:
- Identifying Priorities – Reviewing community needs, legal obligations, and available funding.
- Drafting the Budget – Allocating funds to maintain services, upgrade infrastructure, and invest in community projects.
- Community Consultation – Seeking input from residents and ratepayers.
- Finalising the Budget – Refining based on feedback before Council formally adopts it in June 2025.
- Ongoing Reporting – Regular updates on Council’s financial performance and progress on funded projects.
What Happens Next?
- Survey closes – Feedback is reviewed and considered in the budget planning process.
- Draft budget is refined – Community input helps shape funding decisions.
- Council adopts the final budget – Expected in June 2025.
- Implementation & Reporting – Monthly reports track progress on spending and projects.
Why Your Input Matters
Your feedback helps ensure Council funds are allocated effectively to meet community needs while maintaining financial responsibility. This is your chance to help guide Council’s spending decisions for 2025-26.