Council adopts 2024/25 Annual Report

Published on 18 November 2025

Gladstone Regional Council has adopted its Annual Report for 2024/25 after being tabled at today's General Meeting.

Continuing an ongoing theme of ‘Proudly Playing our Part’, the Annual Report features stories and highlights on Council’s core service delivery to our community, while also capturing financial data for 2024/25.

It also informs the community on our performance over the past year against the deliverables outlined in our 2021-2026 Corporate Plan and 2024/25 Operational Plan and Budget.

2024/25 highlights included:

• Finalised comprehensive Planning Scheme review, shaping how we plan for future development

• Signed on as a Small Business Friendly Council under the Small Business Friendly Program and held events and initiatives to support a stronger and more confident small business community

• Supporting CQUniversity’s Regional Enablers Program to grow local innovation and workforce pathways in renewable energy, through targeted programs for students and entrepreneurs

• Launched the ‘Glad You Made It’ liveability campaign featuring former Brisbane Broncos player and current Gladstone resident Casey McGuire, aiming to attract skilled workers to the region

• Taking meaningful steps to reduce carbon emissions, with ongoing energy audits set to be finalised in 2025/26.

Gladstone Region Mayor Matt Burnett said in addition to the above highlights, crucial engagement activities commenced within the community during 2024/25 to better understand and deliver the waste management needs of our region.

“This engagement helped form our Community Waste Education and Engagement Plan 2024-26 and the rollout of waste education initiatives required to meet Queensland Government targets,” Mayor Burnett said.

“Key takeaways from this plan included the introduction of our Waste Heroes, rollout of recycling bin stickers, launch of the Recycle Mate app and engagement in waste education at schools and early learning centres.”

LET'S GET IT SORTED: Recycling bin stickers were delivered to households during 2024/25.

Mayor Burnett also highlighted the launch of Community Forums to allow Councillors and Council Officers hear from communities directly about what matters to them.

“We’ve had some fantastic conversations with community members, and I look forward to continuing this initiative with my fellow Councillors over the coming year and at new locations across the region,” he said.

“2024/25 also marked the first full year with our new Councillor group and it has been great to work alongside them as we serve our region.”

Another highlight during 2024/25 was Council’s continued efforts to boost access and inclusion within Council facilities.

Some of these highlights included:

• New concrete paths at Lions Park, Tarcoola Drive, Boyne Island connecting to accessible toilets, barbecue area and picnic shelter with wheelchair-friendly seating, improving accessibility throughout the area

• Upgrades at Wyndham Park, Boyne Island, improving safety and accessibility, featuring a new kerb ramp, closer accessible parking for people with disability and level pathways for wheelchairs and prams

• Dedicated accessible parking at Boyne Tannum Community Centre, near the Heron Room and Castletower building, making it easier for everyone to attend events and activities

• New push-button beach showers at Tom Jeffrey Park (Agnes Water), Air Sea Rescue Park and Endeavour Park (Seventeen Seventy) making it easier for everyone, especially those with mobility needs, to rinse off after enjoying the beach

• Easier parking and entry at the Gladstone Aquatic Centre, through a simple re-design for those with limited mobility.

On a financial front, Council delivered a surplus operational budget in 2024/25 and for the 12th consecutive year had no new borrowings.

AWARD WINNER: Thousands attended Luminous across three nights in July 2024.

Community events were once again well attended during 2024/25 with tens of thousands of people attending events such as Luminous, PopCon, Mayor’s Carols, Council’s New Year’s Eve Party, Australia Day celebrations, Easter in Gladstone, Ecofest and much more.

“We also raised more than $147,000 for three local beneficiaries at the 2025 Mayor’s Charity Ball and saw nearly 5000 people attend the 2025 Community Musical Mamma Mia!,” Mayor Burnett added.

“It’s fantastic to see what we achieved during 2024/25 and I’d like to thank my Councillor colleagues, Chief Executive Officer Leisa Dowling, Executive Leadership Team, all Council employees and our priceless facility volunteers for their hard work and dedication towards moving the Gladstone Region forward.”

Visit www.gladstone.qld.gov.au/plans-reports to read a copy of Gladstone Regional Council’s 2024/25 Annual Report.