Feedback opens on Annual Budget, plans

Published on 02 April 2026

The City of Launceston is calling on residents to review and provide feedback on its proposed Four-Year Delivery Plan 2026/27 - 2029/30 and the 2026/27 Annual Plan and Annual Budget, which outlines the Council’s key objectives and financial framework for the year ahead.

HAVE YOUR SAY

The draft Four-year Delivery Plan highlights key Council activities to delivery on the Shaping Futures: Strategic Plan 2025-2035, which directly informs the actions in the draft 2026/27 Annual Plan.

The draft budget documents currently propose a 4.9% rates increase, which will help fund a record $66 million capital works program — the largest in the Council’s history.

This significant investment will support essential maintenance and upgrades to roads, sporting infrastructure, community halls, and many other community assets that residents rely on every day. Proposed capital works include:

$11.9m for the reconstruction of Margaret Street $2.4m for Launceston City Heart projects $3.3m for road resealing

$21.5m for the Princess Theatre redevelopment

The Council has also proposed a $3.9 million underlying operating deficit for the coming financial year, with a clear plan to return to a balanced budget within two years.

This approach builds on savings and efficiencies already achieved under the Council’s 10-Year Strategic Plan, with further savings expected in the short term.

Mayor Matthew Garwood said the proposed budget strikes a responsible balance between delivering much-needed infrastructure improvements and maintaining long-term financial sustainability.

"We want to hear from the community," Mayor Garwood said.

"Your feedback will help shape how we deliver services, where we invest, and how we manage rates going forward.

This is your opportunity to tell us what matters most.

"This isn’t just the sexy stuff but it is also the first budget directly tied to our 10-year Strategic Plan, so it really sets the direction for where we’re heading as a city.

"The proposed Annual Plan and Budget allows us to keep investing in our community, while continuing to look for savings and efficiencies as part of how we operate every day."

The community consultation period opens today at tomorrowtogetherlaunceston.com.au and closes at 5pm on Sunday 26 April 2026.

Residents are encouraged to: Read the proposed Four-Year Delivery Plan, Annual Plan and Budget documents

Complete the online survey at tomorrowtogetherlaunceston.com.au

Share their views on the proposed rates increase, capital works priorities, and overall budget direction

For those who prefer to discuss the documents in person or ask questions directly, a drop-in session will be held at the Town Hall on Tuesday April 14 from 9am to 12 noon.

All feedback received during the consultation will be considered by Councillors before the final Four-Year Delivery Plan, Annual Plan and Budget are adopted in June.