But tourist operators are set to cop the biggest financial hit in the $509 million budget, with a 10 per cent rise in the tourism levy, the first in four years.

The levy rise will add an extra $4.7 million to council coffers to support regional events.

The budget, the first since Noosa Shire Council branched out on its own at the beginning of the calendar year, also reveals waste collection services are to rise by 7.5 per cent.

Mayor Mark Jamieson said ongoing structural changes due to de-amalgamation, combined with rising costs, created a "perfect storm of budget pressure" on council in the coming financial year.

More than 150 jobs have been shed, both through attrition and redundancy, to save $12 million and prevent a bigger rates hike.

A council spokesperson confirmed these were in addition to those jobs transferred to Noosa.

“Council recognises that our residents are still doing it tough and we have done everything we can to keep rates as low as possible," Cr Jamieson said

"The major restructure of council has prevented most of that pain being passed on to ratepayers, including a $12 million reduction in staff costs and a $10 million reduction in other costs.

"To put that in perspective the Queensland Treasury Corporation predicted an $8.5 million deficit for the Sunshine Coast Council following de-amalgamation but with the help of an organisation review which left no stone-unturned, Sunshine Coast Council has turned that around to a $13 million surplus.

“This has been achieved with no reduction in services."

He said the surplus would be used to invest in infrastructure.

Cr Jamieson said inefficiencies caused by de-amalgamation caused $2.5 million in losses, $1.2 million alone in information technology.

Overall, however, council had restructured without a reduction in services, Cr Jamieson said.

“We are keeping the early bird and pensioner discounts and the transport, environment and heritage levies remain the same,” he said.

A $16.2 million allocation for the redevelopment of the Maroochydore city centre is the largest infrastructure investment in the council's $114 million capital works program.

The remainder of the program is largely focused on asset maintenance, with road resurfacing, widening and rehabilitation making up the greatest percentage of the works.

There is also $5.1 million for upgrade works at the Sunshine Coast Airport, which finance chairman Chris Thompson said was a key gateway for the region.

“Each of these projects is a game-changer in its own way but collectively, they are increasing Sunshine Coast’s reputation as a place where great things are happening,” Cr Thompson said.

Cr Jamieson defended the 10 per cent rise in the tourism levy, which he said would affect 10 per cent of the Sunshine Coast population.

He said it would raise $4.7 million in the coming year for tourism and major events.

"That increase comes after no change for four years and during that time this region has secured some massive events which flows through to businesses across the region whether you have a butcher shop, sell push bikes or run a restaurant,” he said.

“It’s estimated every dollar spent on advertising and promotion through the tourism and major events levy generates $15.50 in tourist spending, it’s great value for money."

Budget highlights

• $114 million Capital Works Program
• More than $20 million for economic development
• $23 million for the environment
• $36 million to maintain parks and gardens
• $15 million for libraries and galleries
• $6 million for events and grants

Key infrastructure investment

• $16.24 million Maroochydore City Centre
• $13.2 million road reseal program – various locations
• $6.7 million Evans St, Maroochydore four-laning
• $4.8 million road pavement rehabilitation
• $5.1 million for upgrade works at the Sunshine Coast Airport
• $4.7 million for tourism and major events (raised through a 10 per cent hike in the tourism levy)