As Mayor, I’m pleased to share Brighton Council’s 2026–2027 Budget, a budget that reflects our confidence in the future of our area and our commitment to delivering the infrastructure, services and community initiatives that will benefit residents for years to come.

Brighton continues to be one of Tasmania’s fastest-growing municipalities, and with that growth comes both opportunity and responsibility. This budget ensures we continue to invest wisely while planning for the future.

We’re investing heavily in the spaces that bring our communities together. This year we’ll commence works on the Lennox Park precinct at Old Beach, continue Stage 2 of the Seymour Street Master Plan in Brighton, and deliver essential infrastructure within the South Brighton growth precinct to support our growing population.

Making it easier and safer for people to move around our municipality is another priority. We’ll continue improving pathways and active transport, including completing the route linking the new Bridgewater Bridge through to Pontville and extending the beautiful foreshore trail at Old Beach.

Our road network also remains a major focus. Reconstruction works are planned for sections of Killarney Road, Old Beach Road and Cheswick Crescent, while a section of Bedford Street in Brighton will be sealed, improving safety and accessibility for residents.

As a municipality that plays an increasingly important role in Tasmania’s freight network, we’re also delivering a new truck rest stop within the Brighton Hub. Complete with public toilets, landscaped open space and areas for food vans, it will provide a valuable facility for drivers while supporting local businesses.

One of the things I’m most excited about is the continued investment in our community. We are committed to investing resources in our innovative schools-based Community Creators program in partnership with the Tasmanian Community Fund (TCF), helping young people across all of our schools discover their strengths and make a positive difference in our communities.

Along with the Tasmanian Aboriginal Legal Service (TALS) and other community partners, we’re taking important steps towards establishing a Youth Hub pilot site in Bridgewater, creating more opportunities for young people to connect, participate and thrive.

Of course, Council cannot deliver everything alone. We will continue working closely with the State and Federal Government to secure funding that helps us bring important projects to life sooner. This includes advocating for investment in West Bridgewater’s future growth, as well as seeking funding to progress the master plans for Lennox Park, Pontville Park and Tivoli Green, together with the exciting Bridgewater Living Stream project.

Looking after our environment is equally important. This budget continues our commitment to environmental improvement, climate adaptation and sustainable planning so that Brighton remains a resilient and healthy place for future generations.

This budget is about more than dollars and cents. It’s about investing in people, creating opportunities, strengthening communities and building the infrastructure needed for our future. Every project, every pathway, every community initiative contributes to making Brighton an even better place to call home.

On behalf of my fellow Councillors, thank you for your ongoing support and for the pride you show in our community.

Brighton Mayor Leigh Gray