Funding boost for Indigenous councils in Qld

July 2, 2026

The Queensland Government has found an additional $27 million in the State Budget to provide $74.96 million for the Indigenous Councils Funding Program.

The funding will support 16 Indigenous Councils in Queensland to deliver critical services for their communities over the next year.

Many of these councils operate in remote and isolated locations, playing a vital role in ensuring essential services are available to their residents.

Key points

Government’s State Budget provides additional $27 million to support the Indigenous Councils Funding Program in 2026-27.
16 councils will share $74.96 million in funding, supporting the local governments to deliver services for their communities.
The Government delivering on its commitment to partner with Indigenous Councils to better serve their local communities.

This investment will help Indigenous Councils deliver essential services and invest in local priorities from safe drinking water and infrastructure to playgrounds, roads and community assets.

Minister for Local Government and Water Ann Leahy, pictured, said this Budget delivered on the Government’s commitment to partnering with Indigenous Councils and communities.

More resilient communities

“From Aurukun, to Doomadgee, to the Torres Strait, our government is delivering an extension to funding that will make a real difference for Indigenous communities across Queensland,” Minister Leahy said.

“These councils are relied upon to deliver essential services, 365 days a year, in some of the most remote parts of our State.

“The Government is proud to partner with Indigenous Councils to continue building stronger, safer and more resilient communities across Queensland.”

Essential services for residents

Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Fiona Simpson said the funding reflected the Government’s commitment to empower Indigenous Councils with the support they need.

“This investment is about ensuring that Indigenous Councils can provide the essential services their residents rely on every day,” Minister Simpson said.

“The Government is proud to partner with elected council leaders across Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to strengthen local capability and create more resilient communities.”

Peter Rowe

Peter Rowe leads First Nations News as Editor, with over three decades of experience across international newsrooms, digital platforms and media strategy roles. For the past 20 years, he’s worked in Australia – reporting, editing and advising on stories that shape public debate.