General News
3 April, 2025
‘Challenging’ budget for TRC, says CEO
TABLELANDS Regional Council chief executive officer Nikola Stepanov has described current budget deliberations as “particularly challenging” as the organisation endeavours to serve such a large local government area with a small ratepayer base.
In her CEO monthly report, Dr Stepanov said preparations for the council’s 2025-2026 budget were well underway.
“The business of effectively and efficiently managing a complex body corporate where inherently there are competing demands and not enough resources like a local government area is challenging,” she said in her report.
“Our circumstances in the Tablelands Regional Council local government area make it particularly challenging as we have a small ratepayer base of just over 13,000, however we cover a reasonable vast region in comparison, over 11,000 sq km, and must maintain a very extensive network of infrastructure and high level of services.
“As well, much of our infrastructure is aged and toward end of life, including our critical water and waste infrastructure and buildings - this is a fact we must squarely face and plan for in the public interest.
“As a team, we have been working toward planning a sustainable future for our community, balancing criticality and risks with liveability, service levels and affordability for our ratepayers, and I wish to thank all staff involved for the collegiate and community-centred approach they have brought to our fulsome discussions.”
Dr Stepanov acknowledged the work of TRC staff which she described as “Team TRC”.
“In line with affordability of ratepayers, we have a small workforce who deliver services across a large region,” she said in her report.
“Most, if not all, of our staff could earn more and find work in private sector, however, they are dedicated to public purpose work in the public sector, and it is often a thankless commitment.”
