Updates with
your rates
Winter 2025 edition
Things you might not know
about the new aquatic centre
It’s not one pool, it’s three
The centre has an Olympic sized pool complete with touch pads, timing systems and scoreboard but there’s also two indoor 25 m pools for programs, rehabilitation and short course training and events.
And yes, before you ask, the Olympic pool is the right length for accreditation. It’s been independently surveyed and we have the official paperwork to prove it!
Adult accessible changeroom
This facility will be home to the Bundaberg Region’s first (and second!) public adult accessible changerooms featuring a hoist.
In addition to these changerooms, there are four dedicated accessible toilet, shower and change facilities.
Fun for the whole family
Learn to swim and school holiday activations will be a feature of the centre operator Belgravia Leisure’s program and rooms within the centre will support youth activities.
Focus on wellbeing
The warm water program pool can accommodate activities like water-based physiotherapy. The remedial benefits of the pool are maximised with a set water temp and a small area with bubbles.
Out of the pool hall, rooms in the facility will offer professional allied health services such as exercise physiology.
Every pool has access for everyone
All three pools have accessible ramp and platform lift entry.
The two 25 m pools also have hoist entry and aquatic wheelchairs are provided onsite. There is accessible designated parking and venue entry.
Budget 2025-2026
Council adopted a $338 million budget with a $251.3 million operational budget and $86.7 million capital budget. Our projected operating surplus is $8.2 million. After facing millions of dollars in forecast deficits returning the budget to a surplus is a massive achievement.
Mayor’s budget message
Delivering the essentials. Living within our means.
These are the principles guiding Bundaberg Regional Council’s 2025/26 Budget: a responsible, back-to-basics budget that returns Council to surplus and puts us on a more sustainable path for the future.
In early 2024, Council was on track to record a $16.7 million operating deficit. This was simply unsustainable. Since then, your new Council has worked hard to turn that around, and this Budget shows the results. Through a comprehensive organisational restructure, a workforce reduction, and the identification of operational savings, we’ll deliver an $8.2 million surplus following this budget and an improved 10-year financial forecast.
We didn’t just raise rates to achieve this. We looked inwards first, making efficiencies and cutting back on non-essential spending. Our capital program was pared back to focus on core services: roads, water, waste and essential infrastructure.
We also undertook a review of how we charge rates to ensure a fairer, more equitable model. For too long, residential owner-occupiers have carried the weight. This Budget starts to correct that imbalance, with a focus on easing pressure on homeowners while ensuring income-generating properties, with the ability to tax-deduct, pay a fairer share.
There are still challenges ahead. The long-term forecast shows that further reforms will be needed if we are to sustainably fund maintenance of our existing assets. But this Budget is a major step in the right direction. It puts us back in the black and builds the financial strength we need to plan, invest and grow responsibly.
This year’s Budget funds the finalisation of key community projects such as the new Anzac Park, the Washpool Creek naturalisation, and the opening of the Bundaberg Aquatic Centre.
It also kicks off an ambitious revitalisation of our CBD — creating more welcoming public spaces, encouraging outdoor dining and supporting our local economy. We’ve slashed outdoor dining fees by over 70% and will be working with local businesses to bring our vision for a vibrant, liveable community to life.
This is your money. We’re treating it with the respect it deserves. We are focused on delivering the essentials, maintaining your services and securing our region’s future.
Mayor Helen Blackburn
Bundaberg Regional Council
Natural Resources and Environment
Work will continue on the Nielson Park revitalisation, more shade structures will be installed in playgrounds around the region, work to fix the aging Moore Park Beach wetlands boardwalk will begin and future shoreline erosion management works will be planned.
Roads and Infrastructure (rural)
Pavement rehabilitation and safety improvements on McIlwraith Road, floodway renewal on South Littabella Road and structural rehabilitation of Wallaville Burnett River Bridge are among the projects aimed at improving road safety, extending the life of key assets and delivering better connectivity for the community.
Finance
General rates for owner occupied residential properties increased by 6.49% or about $1.86 per week for the average urban residential property. New rating categories were added following a review with a focus on what’s fair and equitable. Adjustments were made with a focus on income-generating properties and those which can claim rates payments on tax.
Community Resilience and Connection
We’re continuing community support – such as our donations to emergency services like LifeFlight and the Royal Flying Doctor Service – and delivering programs which respond to community needs including the Forgotten Foods to Fabulous Feasts initiative to be delivered by Childers and Gin Gin Neighbourhood Centres.
Roads and Infrastructure (urban)
From coastal walkways to heritage bridges and greener urban spaces, we’re paving the way for a safer, connected and sustainable future. Projects include pavement rehabilitation and widening on Poinciana Drive, Innes Park, stage three of the Washpool Creek naturalisation and Saltwater Creek footbridge restoration.
Community Liveability, Sport and Recreation
Increases to the total amount one applicant can apply for were made to some community grants categories including micro grants and Young People in Sport and auspice organisation rules were relaxed. We’ll open the Bundaberg Aquatic Centre and invest in works at the Childers, Gin Gin and Norville pools.
Water, Waste and Renewable Economy
Utility charges have increased in line with State Government requirements for Councils of our size to charge full-cost pricing. This included a 9.5% increase for waste collection and sewerage charges, equating to an approximate increase of $0.73 and $1.60 per week respectively.
Tourism, Airport and Information Technology
Inviting event spaces and interactive experiences will be delivered including lighting and amenities upgrades at the Recreational Precinct, improved acoustics in the Multiplex foyer and the completion of a two-year project to upgrade exhibits at the popular Hinkler Hall of Aviation.
Governance and Integrity
Significant savings have been found in the 2025-2026 Budget through operational efficiencies and a new Corporate Plan has been launched that will strengthen Council’s strategic service delivery. The Corporate Plan provides a strong framework and ensures strategic direction, good governance and responsible leadership.
Arts and Heritage
We’re developing a new grant program to assist owners of CBD heritage buildings, matching funding from Arts Queensland for the Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) to boost local arts projects and have secured funding to tour the Bundaberg Regional Galleries exhibition The Brothers Gruchy in three states.
Anzac Park progress
Work continues to revitalise Anzac Park with memorial elements now starting to be placed.
Consultation with ex-service groups
Council has been consulting with organisations including the RSL Sub Branch to ensure the redesigned park is a place that honours the legacy of servicemen and women.
This project is partly funded by the Queensland Government’s Works for Queensland program.
Project delivers for Moore Park Beach community
It’s one of Council’s key construction projects and the recent opening of the Moore Park Beach Community Hub is already delivering great community outcomes.
Groups settle in to new home
The space has so far provided a home to local groups including the Men’s Shed, the Moore Park Beach Arts Inc. and the Moore Park Beach Association’s op shop known as ‘The Hub’.
It’s located on Club Avenue and its construction secured support from the State Government through the Local Government Grants and Subsidies Program.
“If I come here, I get a lot done and everyone knows me as I walk in. I’m grateful for a space to study in.”
Local student Amanda Voigt
on why she loves to make Council's Gin Gin Community Hub as her study base.
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