Council funds Emmanuel Mission
Budget delivers real support for Brisbane’s most vulnerable in our inner city
As Chair of Communities, I was proud to stand with the Lord Mayor to deliver a Budget this week that directly responds to the challenges we see every day in our inner-city suburbs; particularly in our parks, along our streets, and across our public spaces.
We’re delivering real, practical support with a further $750,000 investment over three years for Emmanuel City Mission’s Night Sanctuary; expanding a service that is already making a tangible difference for those doing it toughest.
In the inner city, we are fortunate to live in some of Brisbane’s most vibrant and well-resourced neighbourhoods; but we are also a community that cares deeply.
Our residents see firsthand that homelessness is not abstract. It is something encountered daily, and there is a strong expectation that we respond with both compassion and practical action.
That’s why this investment matters — it’s about helping people off the streets and into safe, supportive environments, while also improving the safety and amenity of the shared spaces our community relies on.
As the Lord Mayor said, “Behind every homelessness statistic is a person and often all it takes is a safe night’s sleep to help someone take their next step forward.”
Through this Budget, we’re delivering more capacity and more opportunity for people to stabilise their lives and connect with the services they need — driving real outcomes, not just short-term fixes.
We’re also backing organisations that meet people where they are. As Emmanuel City Mission Founder Roby Curtis said, “A significant proportion of people experiencing homelessness are not reached by traditional services and these are the people we exist for.”
He also highlighted the human impact of this work: “Someone arrives exhausted, unsure, guarded. Then they eat, they shower, they sit down, they talk and something changes.”
That change is exactly what this investment is about — delivering dignity, stability, and a pathway forward.
The Lord Mayor also recognised this, noting, “We’re proud to support Emmanuel City Mission because they provide practical help with dignity, compassion and care for people who need it most.”
And we are already seeing the results.
For people like Neil, the impact is life-changing.
As he shared, “Because I was able to get a safe night’s sleep, I was well rested and able to get up early and prepare for my job interview. I got the job… and found a way to move forward with my life.”
These are the outcomes we’re delivering — helping people rebuild their lives while making our city safer and more welcoming for everyone.
By continuing to invest through my communities portfolio, we’re ensuring our parks, streets and public spaces are better supported — balancing that strong sense of compassion in our community with practical, on-the-ground solutions.
This is about delivering for our inner-city communities: supporting those in need, strengthening local amenity, and building a safer, more inclusive Brisbane for everyone.
More budge 2026/27 information is below.
What the Brisbane Budget means for Inner North and surrounds
Brisbane residents will continue to pay less than residents in other south east Queensland councils while getting more under the Schrinner Council’s $3.9 billion 2026-27 Cost-of-Living Budget.
The 2026-27 Budget confirms Brisbane will have the cheapest rates in south east Queensland, with residents in neighbouring councils paying hundreds of dollars more per year in rates.
While the Reserve Bank of Australia has forecast inflation will be 4.8 per cent in June, minimum general rates for owner-occupied households in Brisbane will increase by just 3.97 per cent or 70 cents per week.
The 2026-27 Budget confirms the Schrinner Council’s responsible financial management by:
- Maintaining a $196 million operating surplus as a buffer against unexpected cost increases
- Reducing net debt with no new borrowings forecast for the first time in nearly a decade.
- Saving ratepayers $202 million in interest payments over the life of borrowings
Local governments collect just three cents in every tax dollar but deliver a third of the services communities rely on every day.
Cost shifting continues to be a challenge for local councils, with LGAQ reporting a 378 per cent increase in the financial impact of services shifted onto local councils over a 20-year period.
Despite this, the 2026-27 Federal Budget had no new local government programs, with financial assistance grants for councils decreasing by $336 million.
The Middle East conflict also continues to impact the cost of Council services, including:
- A 15 per cent increase in delivery and transport costs for road infrastructure contracts
- An increase in diesel costs of around 90 cents per litre
- Construction costs increasing by 10 to 20 per cent, with high risks of contract renegotiations
Through responsible financial management, the Schrinner Council will deliver a $76.5 million in 2026-27 through a cost-of-living package for Brisbane residents, featuring:
- A $60 annual on-time rates payment rate discount, saving residents $16.7 million in 26-27
- Queensland’s most generous pensioner rates rebate, with the maximum rebate increasing to $1,350 in 26-27, saving pensioners $29.8 million
- A rates establishment fee exemption, which is expected to save First Home Buyers $1.3 million in 26-27
- The removal of credit and debit card surcharges from 1 July 2026
- $5.6 million for a new ‘Move Well Brisbane’ health and fitness program
- The return of the popular $2 Summer Dips program, which helped drive a record 758,000 visits to Brisbane pools this summer
- More than $2 million for free off-peak transport for seniors
- $532,000 for Brisbane residents who purchase eligible composting and food waste disposal equipment
- 10, 100kg free waste vouchers for Brisbane renters and owner-occupiers
- Two free native plants for all Brisbane residents
- Continuing the city’s free annual kerbside collection service
Despite ongoing cost pressures, the Schrinner Council will deliver record investments in the services and infrastructure Brisbane residents rely on every day.
Local projects to be delivered as part of the 2026-27 Schrinner Council Budget include:
Footpath, pedestrian or bikeway upgrades at:
- Crosby Road
- Lancaster Road
- Madden Street
- Main Myrtletown Road
- Park Avenue
- Turbot Street
- Wharf Street
- Ann Street
- Dickens Street
- Edward Street
- Margaret Street
Road resurfacing at:
- Albion Road, Albion and Windsor
- Kedron Park Road in Wooloowin
- Dickson Street
- Eagle Farm Road
- Hugh Street
- Mundin Street
- Orsova Street
- Oxford Street
- Pamela Street
- Randle Road
- Sugarmill Road
- Tingira Street
- James Street
- Wyandra Street
- Alice Street
- Ann Street
- Boundary Street
- Elizabeth Street
- Planning and design will also be undertaken for upgrades to Countess Street
Drainage and stormwater works at:
- Main Beach Road
- McIntyre Street
- Breakfast Creek Road
- Harcourt Street
- Arthur Street
The Budget includes a record $110 million for better, smoother roads and more than $213 million to provide bus, ferry and Brisbane Metro services across the city.
These record investments are a critical part of the Schrinner Council’s commitment to keeping Brisbane moving as the city continues to grow.
The 2026-27 Budget will also deliver better services for Brisbane residents, including:
- A $13 million boost to $63 million for new footpaths and bikeways in 2026-27
- An additional $6 million to deliver $72 million worth of improved drainage in 2026-27
- More than $61 million for libraries, including over $2 million for Bulimba Library and a five per cent increase in the investment for library collections
- More than $29 million for creeks and foreshores, including Kedron Brook, Oxley Creek, Brighton foreshore and the Wynnum, Manly and Lota foreshore.
The Budget will also continue the Schrinner Council’s efforts to unlock thousands more homes in the right places, close to transport, jobs and services, while protecting the suburbs people know and love.
With waste levy costs expected to increase and more fuel options needed due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, options to turn the region’s waste into sustainable aviation fuel will also be investigated through the south east Queensland Council of Mayors.
More than 80 per cent of Brisbane’s $3.9 billion budget will continue to be invested in Brisbane’s suburbs under the Schrinner Council’s Suburbs-First Guarantee.
“We’re spending less where we can and investing more where it counts,” said Lord Mayor of Brisbane Cr Adrian Schrinner.
“This Cost-of-Living Budget keeps rates as low as possible, ensuring Brisbane residents continue to pay less than other councils while getting more.
“We’ve made tackling cost-of-living a priority for this budget because we recognise families are still feeling the pressure of higher grocery bills, electricity prices, rent and mortgages.
“We have a responsibility to manage our Budget carefully. After all, this is not Council’s money, it’s residents’ money.
“Our Cost-of-Living Budget provides practical relief for Brisbane residents, while we continue to invest in the infrastructure and services needed to keep Brisbane moving.
“Our sensible financial management means we’re reducing unnecessary spending while investing more in better roads and the services that help shape our reputation as Australia’s lifestyle capital.
“This is a responsible Cost-of-Living Budget that puts Brisbane residents first.”
“The Schrinner Council’s budget is making living in Brisbane even better by delivering the services residents need most,” said Councillor Vicki Howard
“Road resurfacing, drainage projects and footpath upgrades may not seem glamourous, but they all add to Brisbane’s unbeatable lifestyle and make our suburbs great places to live, work and relax.
“We made a promise to deliver the lowest rates in south east Queensland and we’re proud to deliver on that promise, while ensuring residents get more for their money in Brisbane.”