Budget influences

Setting Council’s annual budget continues to be challenging. We are committed to finding a balance between financial sustainability, maintaining levels of service and investment in our assets.

Our community continues to be impacted by severe unpredictable weather events, increasing the need for support, and critical services. We know our community is also affected by rising living costs.

Council is also facing increased financial burdens due to the rising cost of service delivery, changes in legislation and limited revenue sources. Many of Council's assets are ageing and need repairs or upgrades. In addition, state and federal governments are facing financial constraints, leading to reduced funding for local councils.

Considering all of these factors, Council is exploring efficiencies, alternate revenue streams and advocating to other levels of Government. The survey run at the end of 2024, aimed to start a conversation with our community, to gauge early levels of support for a range of financial levers.

How did people get involved in the survey?

Between 18 November and 15 December 2024

Top 3 advocacy issues

  • #1. Vibrant townships

    Enhancing and celebrating our unique communities.

    For example, improving sporting pavilions and aquatic facilities and streetscape improvements.


  • #2 Health and wellbeing

    Investing in the foundations of thriving communities.

    For example, mental health, emergency relief and public health services.

  • #3. Integrated transport

    Safe, resilient and sustainable transport for people and businesses.

    For example, road sealing & maintenance, flood mapping & drainage.

Funding our assets

  • Taking out a loan

    In response to 'It is OK for Council to take out a loan for a large community asset, e.g. an aquatic centre':

    - 59.96% of respondents agree or strongly agree with this statement.

    - 28.09% of respondents disagree or strongly disagree with this statement.

  • Selling smaller assets to fund large ones

    In response to 'It is OK for Council to sell some smaller assets to build a large community asset, e.g. a community centre:'

    - 55.06% of respondents agree or strongly agree with this statement.

    - 25.29% respondents disagree or strongly disagree with this statement.

    - 19.66% of respondents were undecided, indicating more information was required.

  • Rationalising Council buildings

    In response to 'Council should only keep buildings that are used and wanted by the community':

    - 75.28% of respondents agree or strongly agree with this statement.

    - 8.43% of respondents disagree or strongly disagree with this statement.

    - 16.29% of respondents were undecided, indicating more information was required.

Securing financial stability

  • Reduce reliance on rates

    In response to 'it is OK for council to generate income from some things to reduce reliance on rates':

    - 75.14% of respondents agree or strongly agree with this statement.

    - 7.91% of respondents disagree or strongly disagree with this statement.

    - 16.95% of respondents were undecided, indicating more information is required.

  • Charging visitor fees

    In response to 'It is OK for council to charge tourist fees to pay for things tourists use, e.g. roads and trails':

    - 53.1% of respondents agree or strongly agree with this statement.

    - 26.55% respondents disagree or strongly disagree with this statement.

    - 20.34% of respondents were undecided, indicating more information was required.

  • Reducing Council services when others can provide

    In response to 'It is OK to limit a service that council provides, where there are other providers who can offer the same service':

    - 33.15% of respondents agree or strongly agree with this statement.

    - 38.28% of respondents disagree or strongly disagree with this statement.

    - 28.57% of respondents were undecided, indicating more specific information was required.


Council services

The final section focused on prioritising Council services, under the Council Plan key themes. All services were valued, however, the top priorities are below.