Budget 2026-27: Capital Works Budget positions shire for the future

Published on 24 June 2026

A $56 million Capital Works Budget in 2026–27 will deliver a targeted program to maintain and improve the essential assets, infrastructure and services that support our shire.

This year’s program includes more than 60 projects across coastal and hinterland locations, with a strong focus on renewing ageing infrastructure, enhancing transport and recreational networks, protecting the natural environment and delivering initiatives that promote accessibility and wellbeing.

“Together, these investments aim to maintain a high quality of life and support a connected, sustainable and resilient Noosa community,” Mayor Frank Wilkie said.

Headlining the program is a multi‑million‑dollar upgrade to Doonella Lake Bridge - one of Noosa’s busiest transport links, as well as responsible improvements to the shire’s road network and a critical expansion of the Noosa Resource Recovery Centre.

Cr Wilkie said the scale of this year’s capital budget reflects both community need and the realities of delivering infrastructure in a tough economic climate.

“Rising construction costs, supply chain pressures and a competitive contractor market continue to challenge councils across Australia. Despite this, we’re working hard to stretch every dollar and deliver the projects our community relies on,” Mayor Wilkie said.

Across the shire, more than $8 million has been allocated to major bridge renewals in Tewantin and Munna Point Bridge in Noosa Heads, ensuring these essential transport connections remain safe and reliable for decades to come.

“The Doonella Lake Bridge renewal, which starts from 6 July, is jointly funded by the Australian Government and will extend the life of this vital transport link by about 50 years,” Mayor Wilkie said.

Council has committed over $10 million to shire wide road reseals, heavy patching and gravel road network programs.

This includes $5.9 million for the annual road reseal program, $1.5 million for targeted safety upgrades on priority sections of unsealed roads and $511,000 to re-lay our gravel roads and to support the established scheduled road grading program.

“These investments help us better prioritise work across our 187‑kilometre unsealed network,” Cr Wilkie said.

Waste infrastructure receives nearly $15 million toward improving resource recovery and recycling infrastructure. Subject to securing grant funding, a significant allocation has been set aside for a composting facility for the shire.

Safety and meeting government waste regulations at the Noosa Resource Recovery Centre and landfill is also high on the capital works program.

Recreational and community facilities benefit, with over $7 million directed toward upgrades at the Noosa Aquatic Centre, improvements to pathways and active transport infrastructure through the Accelerated Walking and Cycling Program and upgrades to the Cooroy Sports Complex.

“We’re fortunate to have received more than $13 million from state and federal government grants to help us deliver a number of projects included in this budget, which is great news for our community,” Cr Wilkie said.

In addition to these projects, more than $29 million in disaster repair works is scheduled, fully funded through the state and federal disaster reconstruction program.

“Every project is more expensive to build due to global market volatility and rising costs of materials, so we are committed to delivering the essential infrastructure and maintaining what our community loves about Noosa.”

Capital Works Program highlights:

$8.8 million – Expansion of the Noosa Resource Recovery Centre
$7.8 million - Doonella Bridge renewal
$5.9 million – Road reseal program
$5.5 million – Doonan Landfill site upgrades
$3.44 million – Stormwater drainage improvements across the shire
$2.8 million – Pathway and boardwalk projects across the shire
$2.49 million – Cooroy Sports Complex upgrade
$1.61 million – road patching across the shire
$1.5 million – Noosa Aquatic Centre pools filtration system upgrade
$647,700 – Kingfisher Drive, Peregian, playground renewal
$635,000 – Changing Places Facility, Gympie Terrace, Noosaville
$486,831 – Living Foreshores Program, Hilton Esplanade
$269,000 – Beach access renewals
$238,620 – Noosa Leisure Centre renewals
$210,200 – Renewal of rock armour around Noosa River, Noosaville