General News
9 December, 2025
Annual report reveals all
MORE than $40 million in capital works aimed at improving water security, roads, community facilities and public spaces were delivered by Tablelands Regional Council in the past financial year, according to its newly-released annual report.
The 2024-25 report details various works that were achieved in the 12-month period, with an emphasis on the council’s water network and the much-anticipated Priors Creek Parklands project.
But there is a lot more to be done, says chief executive officer Nikola Stepanov, with much of the council’s $900 million of assets “ageing and nearing end of life”.
“Our task is to balance liveability, affordability and service standards while responsibly planning for renewal of critical infrastructure such as water, wastewater, and transport networks,” she said.
“Budget preparations have been among the most complex to date, bringing nine-figure estimates for asset replacement and water security projects into our 10-year Capital Works Program.
“This work ensures we can maintain vital services while planning for long-term sustainability.”
The annual report shows that the 58%, or $57.54 million, of council’s total revenue of $100 million is raised through rates, levies and charges while 21%, or $21.3 million, comes from capital grants and contributions.
On the spending side, the organisation forked out $30 million in wages and entitlements to employees and councillors, which equates to 36% of total revenue and is $2.3 million more than the 2023-24 year.
The organisation’s top three staff – the CEO, and two general managers – took home $948,861 in the last financial year, up $103,361 from the previous year.
Councillors cost the community a total of $699,691 in the 2024-25 year, with the Mayor’s package worth $163,084 and the Deputy Mayor’s $101,927.
Travel costs of $13,313 were also paid to Cr Dave Bilney, with Cr Annette Haydon receiving $16,224 for travel costs incurred serving her large division. Cr Kevin Cardew claimed $8208 and Cr Maree Baade $1915.
Materials and services took 34% of the budget, or $28.57 million, while the value of the council’s assets grew to $870.5 million.
To support the delivery of the new Malanda Water Supply Scheme upgrade and its associated infrastructure, council borrowed $8 million, taking the organisation’s total borrowings to $22.6 million.
Mayor Rod Marti said the project was one of other works on the water network in the past financial year.
“This year we advanced essential water projects in Ravenshoe, Millstream and the Malanda–Davies Road area, kept core services operating through extended wet weather, and delivered major stages of the Priors Creek Parklands,” he said.
“We also welcomed our new CEO, Dr Nikola Stepanov, whose leadership has strengthened governance and performance across the organisation.”
Fast facts
19,043 calls received by staff
132,050 website visitors
18,798 customer requests lodged
8825 visitors to TRC galleries
244 new dogs registered
59,484 visitors to visitor information centres
33 BBQs cleaned every week
247 hectares of open space maintained
36 playgrounds maintained and cleaned weekly
129 development applications
149 newly constructed dwellings
