Council: we're working for you
Local Governments have a strong connection to their communities which is reflected by the range of services they deliver.
A 2023 Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) cost shifting report found that Queensland communities have never relied on their councils as much as they do now.
The report detailed how councils were running services like childcare and housing to attract a workforce and support families.
The same research found that councils do so much more than roads, rates and rubbish to ensure their communities remained liveable, despite being the level of government least able to afford it (LGAQ, 2023).
Bundaberg Regional Council Chief Executive Officer Steve Johnston said it was one of the factors that contributed to trust in Local Government.
He said it came down to the simple fact that Council employees were members of their communities.
"Local Government is the closest form of government to the everyday person," he said.
"Their children attend local schools, they play for local sporting teams, join local groups and they value the region which they call home.
"The trust that the community places in us at Council is a responsibility that staff take to heart, and one that strengthens their dedication to providing services that enhance the quality of life for fellow residents in the Bundaberg Region.
'Local Government is the closest form of government to the everyday person
"Roads, rates and rubbish is a popular misconception about the role of Local Government, particularly in regional communities," Mr Johnston said.
"But in the Bundaberg Region we also operate your local art gallery and theatre, provide aged care and seniors housing, foster community connections, coordinate local disaster management and drive economic development initiatives."
Mr Johnston said Council often received feedback from residents expressing their appreciation for the meticulous care and attention staff invested in maintaining the community.
"Whether it is the teams tending to the beautiful gardens on our roundabouts, or our waste management professionals who show remarkable punctuality and professionalism in responding to community enquiries, these efforts collectively reinforce the connection between our local community and Council.
"Council staff understand the unique needs of our community, because they are part of it.
"Recently Council launched a we're working for you campaign which highlights our many services and the staff behind their successful delivery."
Bundaberg Regional Council is comprised of a range of business units, servicing communities throughout the region:
- Aged care
- Airports
- Animal control
- Cemeteries
- Communications
- Community care programs including youth, families and seniors
- Community events
- Community facilities
- Cultural development
- Customer service
- Depots and administration centres
- Development
- Disaster management
- Economic development
- Engineering and civil works
- Financial services
- Fleet services
- Footpaths and network pathways
- Galleries
- Governance and legal services
- Health regulation
- Holiday parks
- Human resources
- Information services and systems
- Libraries
- Moncrieff Entertainment Centre
- Natural areas
- Neighbourhood centres
- Office of the Mayor and CEO
- Organisational learning and development
- Parking and local laws
- Parks
- Public safety
- Roads
- Seniors housing
- Sport and recreation
- State emergency services
- Stormwater drainage
- Strategic supply
- Tourism
- Trade services
- Waste and recycling
- Wastewater
- Water
