Innovation and strategic partnerships are set to drive greater efficiencies and create better value from every dollar spent in Council's 2025/26 Budget and Operational Plan.
Acting Mayor Ann-Maree Greaney said the 2025/26 Budget outlined Council's commitment to building a future-ready city through smarter operations, strategic advocacy, and sustainable systems.
"Like everyone, over the last 12 months we've really had to tighten our belt and figure out how to do more with less, ensuring residents aren't footing the entire bill for growth by unlocking investment from industry, government and research," Cr Greaney said
"We're focusing on sustainable innovation that reduces costs and builds capacity, prioritising initiatives with clear, cost saving outcomes.
"This budget invests in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and sensor technologies to streamline operations across aquatic safety, animal management and public facility optimisation.
"Environmental sensor networks are already reducing power and water consumption in real-time with university student-based monitoring programs expanding insight and engagement.
"We're moving with the ever-evolving world and are leaning into AI that not only saves the organisation money, but programs that will save lives like water monitoring technology planned to be installed at Riverway Lagoon."
Cr Greaney said investment into renewable energy systems and integrated carbon management strategies were cutting operating costs at Council facilities.
"Since 2014/15, we've reduced Council's electricity consumption by $1.1 million these savings don't just benefit Council they protect ratepayers from rising costs too, which enables us to stretch ratepayer's funds further," Cr Greaney said.
"Power prices are ever increasing and like everyone else Council gets a bill in the mail each month, the fact we've been able to decrease our spend in the last ten years speaks to the efficiencies that we are implementing."
Cr Greaney said Council's continued investment into its water laboratory, Townsville Laboratory, alongside service improvements and efforts to develop commercial opportunities, is expected to generate an average of $500,000 in additional revenue per year.
"Our NATA-accredited world-class laboratory has an outstanding reputation that provides exceptional service not just internally to our water services but continues to attract new commercial customers across North Queensland," she said.
"The Townsville Laboratory conducted 310,000 individual tests across their client base between April 2024-March 2025, and in the years to come are set to build on the services we can provide to the community."
Education and behavioural change will shape Council's waste strategy, reducing costs imposed by the Queensland Government Waste Levy.
"Reducing what goes to landfill minimises the state waste levy charges, reduces operational costs, and ensures we're not passing unnecessary charges onto residents," Cr Greaney said.
The budget also backs eco-city initiatives, maintaining Townsville's Sustainable Destination Certification and supporting new programs like the EcoActive Hub at Riverway and Rowes Bay Sustainability Centre which will educate residents and school groups about environmental stewardship, connecting people and place.
The Acting Mayor said Council was forging strong partnerships to unlock external funding, increase investment-readiness, and deliver legacy projects.
"By working alongside education, health, industry and all levels of government, we're achieving outcomes no single entity could do alone," Cr Greaney said.
"Partnership and advocacy is key to securing investment and shaping a smarter future for Townsville, especially when it comes to key projects like housing supply, legacy Olympic Infrastructure, Lansdown, North Rail Yards, the Haughton Pipeline and the Rockpool redevelopment to name a few.
"Council is focused on delivering what our community deserve, but we're operating smarter and more efficiently to ensure we set the foundations for growth through strategic partnerships."
