Chamber Seeks Greater Transparency Following Commercial Rate Increase in Council Budget

“The Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry is seeking clarity and further consultation following Whitsunday Regional Council’s adoption of its 2025/26 Budget, which includes a 21% increase in general rates for commercial and industrial properties and a 5% rise in utility charges.

Chamber President Allan Milostic said that while the Chamber acknowledges the challenges facing local government, the scale of the increase presents a significant concern for the business community.

“We recognise the need for long-term rating reform and welcome Council’s focus on residential rate relief and infrastructure investment,” Mr Milostic said.

“However, the business sector is already managing rising wage, superannuation, insurance, and operational costs. The magnitude of this increase warrants closer examination.”

The Chamber supports Council’s efforts to modernise its rating framework but believes further transparency is needed to understand how cost savings have been achieved and how commercial rate revenue will be used to support the region’s broader economic development.

“In a time of flat productivity and cost-of-living pressure, small and medium enterprises in particular face tight margins,” Mr Milostic said.

“These increases will be difficult to absorb without potential downstream impacts on pricing, investment, or employment.”

The Chamber is encouraging Council to:

• Provide clear information on operational efficiencies and the reinvestment of commercial rate revenue;
• Demonstrate the value proposition for commercial ratepayers in terms of service delivery and infrastructure outcomes; and
• Engage in structured consultation on future rating adjustments to ensure they support sustainable growth and confidence.

“We see this as an opportunity for constructive dialogue,” Mr Milostic added.

“It’s essential that businesses and Council work together to ensure rates are fair, transparent, and supportive of long-term economic resilience.”

The Chamber will continue to advocate for policies that foster a fair and productive operating environment for all local businesses and support sustainable regional development.