The Taskforce was established in response to concerns raised by councils. It brought together local government, industry and government representatives to look at financial sustainability, asset management and long-term planning. Its report confirmed there is no one-size-fits-all approach to depreciation, given the different financial and asset management challenges councils face across Queensland.

The Government has identified three early priority reforms, which it says will be completed by 1 May 2027. Other reforms, which require further planning and coordination across stakeholder bodies, will be addressed at a later date.

According to the Government, the reforms support a more contemporary framework for assessing council sustainability, with a greater focus on cash flow, asset condition and long-term planning. They also aim to strengthen financial reporting, asset management practices and infrastructure investment decision-making.

Minister for Local Government and Water Ann Leahy said the changes would reduce the impact of donated and grant-funded non-critical infrastructure assets and help councils with clearer reporting. In her words:

“These reforms will strengthen financial transparency, improve asset management practices and support better-informed infrastructure investment decisions.”

The Government said it will continue working with councils and the sector to implement its response.

Source: Queensland Government ministerial media statement, 20 October 2026. Further detail on the recommendations and the response is on the Department of Local Government, Water and Volunteers website.