Annual report details highlights 2024 – 2025

Bundaberg Regional Council’s 2024-2025 Annual Report details millions of dollars in community support and features awards, housing action and building demolition for public safety among the year’s highlighted projects.

CEO Rob Williams described the financial year as a time of transformation with the organisation going through a restructure and efficiency drive which was achieved through “strong commitment and tough decisions”.

He said a significant turnaround in Council’s financial position was the result.

“Within a relatively short period of time we have been able to achieve a course correction which not only has returned Council to a more stable and secured financial future, but I believe also delivers on the expectations our community has of its Council to continue to deliver quality services and infrastructure,” Mr Williams said.

“The completion of this restructure and our renewed focus on operational efficiencies has required a reset of how our teams prioritise and manage services and projects.

“In an organisation of our size with our array of responsibilities this is no small task and the commitment from every level of the organisation to achieve these results and make necessary adjustments is commendable.”

Despite the focus on financial efficiencies, the Annual report detailed that Bundaberg Regional Council still delivered more than $4.7 million in community support from July 2024 to June 2025 including:

• $2,761,084 in rates concessions such as pensioner and community organisation concessions and water leak relief
• $488,366 in community organisation concessions such as reduced rates and charges
• $339,338 through Council’s various grant programs
• $1,128,908 through other donations to organisations including Rural Fire Brigades and the Royal Flying Doctors Service

The CEO’s message in the Annual Report included some of the highlights from the 12-month period, including:

• recognition for strategic projects like our roads Network Safety Plan, Washpool Creek naturalisation as well as the art gallery’s interpretation of the Red Shoes project.
• the continuation of two major projects – the Bundaberg Aquatic Centre and Anzac Park revitalisation – with both nearing completion at the end of the financial year.
• revitalising the Moore Park Beach foreshore including the delivery of a new destination playground and community hub which is already delivering wonderful community outcomes for the community groups which now call it home.
• taking action through the Bundaberg Local Housing Action Plan to finalise master planning for future urban growth in Branyan through the adoption of the Branyan Local Area Plan.
• acting decisively to secure and then demolish the former Moore Park Beach Surf Lifesaving Club before damaging winds and tides could pose a risk to the asbestos ridden structure, endangering public safety and the environment.
• bringing the community together for commemorations including Anzac Day and the 25th anniversary of the Palace Hostel fire.
• celebrating our region and people through events including Childers Festival, Taste Festival, Christmas and New Year’s Eve.
• finalising the Corporate Plan 2025-2030 to provide strategic direction and a strong framework for the organisation, including a refresh to our vision, mission and values.
• supporting our community through donations, grants and free programs that promote wellbeing such as Be Active, Be Alive.

“All of this was achieved among the day-to-day delivery of a wide range of services from galleries, libraries and neighbourhood centres to roads, rates and rubbish,” Mr Williams said.

“These are just some of the highlights that represent how Bundaberg Regional Council is progressing towards its vision to create a liveable, vibrant and connected community.

“Your Council is working as efficiently and effectively as possible for you and we’re making sure we do it with a focus on being the best we can be.”

The 2024 – 2025 Annual Report can be viewed in full on Council’s website here.