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2026-27 Budget Engagement

Planning for the year ahead

Cook Shire Council is preparing its 2026-27 Budget, and we’re inviting you to help inform Council’s decisions by sharing your experience of Council services, where you are feeling pressure and how you believe Council can balance affordability, and long-term financial sustainability, with service delivery during a time of rising costs.

TAKE THE SURVEY NOW

Take the Survey

We encourage all residents and ratepayers to complete the survey.

The 2026–27 Budget Engagement Survey will ask you to:

  • Share your experience of Council services and identify where you feel the most pressure

  • Highlight which services are delivering good value and which need greater focus

  • Indicate where you think the balance should sit between affordability and service levels

  • Provide your views on potential rate increases in the context of rising costs

  • Suggest ideas for managing the operating costs of key community facilities such as the Cooktown Swimming Pool, Cook Shire Libraries and Nature’s Powerhouse

The survey contains 10 questions and takes approximately 5–15 minutes to complete. All responses are anonymous.

SURVEY OPEN DATES

The 2026–27 Budget Engagement Survey will be open for four (4) weeks, from:

Monday 16 February 2026
to
10:00pm Monday 16 March 2026

Residents and ratepayers can complete the survey:

  • Online

  • In hard copy

  • At any of the Budget Engagement events taking place across the Shire

Hard copy surveys are available at engagement events and from Council’s Main Administration Building at 10 Furneaux Street, Cooktown.

 Completed forms can be:

  • Returned in person

  • Posted to:
    Cook Shire Council
    PO Box 3, Cooktown QLD 4895

  • Scanned and emailed to: mail@cook.qld.gov.au

PLEASE NOTE All hard copy surveys must be received by Council before the closing date.

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:

  1. Identifying Priorities – Reviewing community needs, legal obligations, service demands and available funding, informed by community engagement and consultation.
  2. Community Consultation – Seeking input from residents and ratepayers to understand service experiences, affordability pressures and emerging priorities.
  3. Rates Modelling – Testing different rates scenarios to understand how proposed increases would impact revenue, service levels and long-term financial sustainability.
  4. Drafting the Budget – Allocating funds to maintain services, upgrade infrastructure and invest in community priorities.
  5. Finalising the Budget – Refining the draft budget based on feedback and financial modelling before Council formally adopts it in June 2026.
  6. Ongoing Reporting – Providing 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 2026.
  • 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 2026-27.

TAKE THE SURVEY NOW