In preparing this year’s annual Budget, Redland City Council has been faced with difficult choices as the cost of delivering core services continues to rise.
Acting Mayor Julie Talty said Council had taken a careful look at how it delivers services, and how it could continue to do so in a way that was fair and sustainable.
“As part of this year’s budget, Council is considering some changes that may include adjusting how often some services are delivered in certain areas,” Cr Talty said.
Council is looking at options across several areas and is considering whether user-pays approaches may be appropriate for some services.
Cr Talty said Council recognised the impact some of these options may have.
“They are difficult choices to make, but necessary to balance today’s needs with the long-term sustainability of the city,” she said.
“In many cases, this isn’t about doing less – it’s about doing things differently, so we can continue delivering the level of service our community expects in a more efficient way.
“Council is prioritising investment in essential infrastructure while continuing to focus on the services the community most values, such as renewal of infrastructure that ensures safe and reliable drinking water.
“Council has asked departments to look at how they operate. In response, millions of dollars in efficiencies, savings and deferred spending have been identified. These savings will help ease pressure on rates and this practice will continue into next year.
“The recent external review of Council operations also found opportunities for Council services and structures to be more efficient, recommending changes be made to how Council operates as we work to ensure the organisation is structured in a way that will be efficient and best support our city into the future.”
Late last year, Council sought feedback from the community to help inform the development of the 2026–2027 Budget.
Cr Talty said the community engagement results showed that, in general, respondents would like Council spending on core services without cuts, and supported Council continuing to spend money on the services that matter the most to residents.
“The feedback Council received was consistent and Council has listened,” she said.
“Redlands Coast residents want their Council to get the basics right – looking after roads and parks, and continuing essential services like waste, are top priorities.
“Council’s direction and goals remain clear with the focus being on delivering what matters today, tomorrow and for the future of the Redlands Coast community.”
Final decisions will be made by Council at the Special Budget Meeting tomorrow, June 30.
