Since August last year Council has been working to ensure delivery of our essential services while as much as possible absorbing continuing increases.
Redland City Council is making careful and cost-effective decisions to sustainably deliver these everyday services.
Acting Mayor Julie Talty said that during the development of its annual Budget, Council had actively planned for a forecasted gap between service costs and revenue raised and Council will work with efficiencies in order to reduce rate increases as much as possible.
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“Waste collection, local road maintenance, safe parklands and community spaces, library services and mowing services – these all require people, equipment, and ongoing maintenance – and the cost to supply these and other services is rising,” Cr Talty said.
“This financial year, Council has stayed focused on delivering and investing in what matters most, including these everyday essential services and infrastructure that the community relies on.
“There have been millions of dollars invested in improvements right across Redlands Coast – such as lighting upgrades at sporting fields, green sealing roads on the Southern Moreton Bay Islands, filling footpath gaps across the city, and protecting the city’s 335 km of coastline.
“Our community also has been supported through grants that help deliver local events, festivals and places for people to connect.”
Cr Talty said Council has continued to invest in critical infrastructure – including maintaining and upgrading water and wastewater networks, and major projects like the Judy Holt Park environment rehabilitation works.
“These are essential investments that protect our environment, support our growing community, and ensure the services our residents expect to operate safely and reliably. At the same time though, costs are increasing,” she said.
“Council has looked closely at finding savings where possible and making sure every dollar is carefully used.
“Council has made clear decisions about what is essential, what is discretionary, and where every dollar will make the biggest difference.
“In preparatory discussions for the coming Budget, emphasis has been on making careful, crucial, and cost-effective decisions to ensure Council can keep delivering the services that residents rely on sustainably, now and into the future.”
Late last year, Council sought feedback from the community to help inform the development of the 2026–2027 Budget.
The community engagement results showed that, in general, respondents would like Council spending on core services to remain the same, and for Council to continue to spend money in ways that matter the most to residents.
The 2026–2027 Redland City Council Budget will be delivered at a special meeting of Council on June 30.
