Clarence City Council has adopted its 2025–26 Budget – a responsible, community-focused plan that reflects a long-term vision for one of Tasmania’s fastest-growing municipalities.
City of Clarence Mayor Brendan Blomeley said with an estimated 63,973 residents as of June 2024, Clarence had seen population growth of 16.7 per cent over the past decade.
“Clarence is growing fast, and this budget ensures we keep pace by delivering the infrastructure, services and long-term planning our community needs,” Mayor Blomeley said.
“The budget includes $8.28 million for upgrades to footpaths and kerbs, $6.1 million for road renewals and more than $4 million for stormwater improvements, including a major $2.6 million project along Wentworth Street in Bellerive.
“We’re focusing on infrastructure that makes everyday life better – safer footpaths, better roads and stronger flood resilience.”
Council is also resourcing additional roles and training staff to ensure the effective delivery of capital works and services.
“We’re investing in our people to deliver safer, more efficient services for our community,” Mayor Blomeley said.
“While mindful of the financial pressure on households, to support service delivery this budget requires an increase in rating effort of 4.85% for an average property—1.6 percentage points lower than last year.”
Mayor Blomeley said adjustments to rates for short-stay accommodation and vacant commercial and industrial land aimed to make the system fairer.
“We’ve worked hard to strike the right balance, keeping rates as low as possible while maintaining essential services,” he said.
“We’re also ensuring the rating system is fairer by more accurately reflecting how land is being used.”
Council recently acquired the office buildings at 30 Gordons Hill Road for $23.5 million in an off-market deal.
Mayor Blomeley said it represented a strategic purchase within the Clarence CBD that opened future civic, commercial, or community possibilities in line with the City Heart Plan.
“This purchase gives us a unique opportunity to help shape a vibrant, modern city centre that meets the future needs of our community,” he said.
The budget includes $710,000 for the redevelopment of Rosny Early Learning, $200,000 for planning the Rosny Farm Creative Industries Precinct, and $723,000 for upgrades to local sporting facilities.
“We’re investing in the spaces and services that support families, young people and local clubs,” Mayor Blomeley said.
“It also funds community events, youth initiatives such as the Rokeby Youth Centre, and the continued implementation of Council’s Reconciliation Action Plan.”
A four-week Aboriginal arts celebration, Nupiri-ti Palawa, will launch in 2025, alongside the 30th anniversary of the Clarence Jazz Festival.
“These programs reflect who we are as a city—diverse, creative and proud of our heritage,” Mayor Blomeley said.
“Council will invest $365,000 to upgrade tracks and trails, including the Single Hill Track and the development of a new Rosny Parklands Circuit.
“We’re committed to preserving and improving the natural spaces that make Clarence such a great place to live.
“This budget is about balancing today’s needs with tomorrow’s opportunities.
“We’re planning carefully, investing wisely and working hard to ensure Clarence continues to thrive.”
For more information, please visit to the City of Clarence website.