funding · Toowoomba Regional Council
Toowoomba council holds $291.7m cash as borrowings reach $181.37m
Toowoomba Regional Council reported $291.7 million in unrestricted cash, 11.5 months of expense cover and $181.37 million in borrowings at 30 June 2026.
Toowoomba Regional Council reported $291.7 million in unrestricted cash, enough to cover 11.5 months of expenses, while borrowings reached $181.37 million at 30 June 2026. The figures give ratepayers a snapshot of the council’s financial capacity as major infrastructure projects continue.
The cash-cover ratio was above the Queensland Government Financial Management (Sustainability) Guideline target of more than two months.
The financial report recorded a $35.2 million operating surplus for 2025/26. Rates and levies were $1.1 million above budget, attributed to increased water consumption. Fees and charges were $18.4 million above budget, including higher income from private works, development, water infrastructure, planning and commercial waste.
The Capital Works Program was 99 per cent complete and $1.6 million below budget. The Cressbrook Dam Safety Improvement Project was $71.3 million below budget because its design phase was continuing.
Capital expenditure included $10.8 million for the Toowoomba Waste Centre Vertical Expansion, $7.8 million for the Cooby Dam Inlet Pipe Replacement and $4.6 million for the new Southern Water Treatment Plant.
Rate arrears, including the State Emergency Management Levy, were 4.02 per cent at 30 June, below the council’s target of less than 5 per cent. The 2026 sale-of-land process began with 49 properties, with 32 still remaining when the report was prepared.
The report places substantial cash reserves alongside $181.37 million in debt and ongoing capital commitments, including water, waste and dam projects.
Reference minutes
Toowoomba Regional Council, Ordinary Meeting of Council, 21 July 2026.
Key facts from the minutes
- Unrestricted cash was $291.7 million at 30 June 2026.
- Unrestricted cash covered 11.5 months of expenses.
- Borrowings were $181.37 million at 30 June 2026.
- The 2025/26 operating surplus was $35.2 million.
- The capital works program was 99 per cent complete and $1.6 million below budget.
- Rates and levies were $1.1 million above budget, attributed to increased water consumption.
Why it matters
- The figures show substantial reported cash capacity for ratepayers, while $181.37 million in borrowings and major infrastructure commitments remain relevant to future budgets.