A moment to pause, a time to plan
Set alongside the Murray River and surrounded by open space, walking trails and places that bring people together, our city offers something increasingly rare: the ability to slow down, reconnect and spend meaningful time with those we care about. While the cost of living continues to rise and budgets are under pressure everywhere, many of the things that matter most here remain free - time outdoors, shared moments with family and friends, and a strong sense of community.
This has been a challenging year for Council. Our People have worked hard to continue delivering services, maintaining infrastructure and supporting our community in an environment of rising costs and constrained funding. I want to sincerely thank our staff for their commitment, professionalism and resilience.
Like households across our region, Council must make careful decisions about priorities and spending. Our focus is firmly on building a sustainable financial future while continuing to deliver what our community values most. That work is not simple, but it is necessary.
The AlburyCity Services – What’s Important to You? Have Your Say consultation, open until 9 January, is a critical part of this process. Input from our community will help guide a detailed review of Council’s services, aiming to:
- identify achievable and prioritised changes
- improve long-term financial sustainability
- maintain core services valued by the community
This process explores options such as improving operational efficiency, increasing cost recovery where appropriate, forming commercial or community partnerships, and reducing duplication where services are provided elsewhere. Getting this right depends on listening carefully to our community, and I strongly encourage everyone to take part.
Sustainable growth relies on having the right infrastructure in place. Council is undertaking long-term planning to ensure essential services keep pace with population growth, demand and community expectations, forming part of our long-term commitment to Securing Albury’s Future – Together and supporting informed decision-making as we navigate the twin challenges of ageing infrastructure and a growing population.
There is also increasing national attention on the pressures facing local government. Two current parliamentary inquiries - one examining local government sustainability and another focused on responsibilities and funding - reflect what councils across Australia are experiencing: rising expectations, cost shifting and funding arrangements that have not kept pace. These conversations matter, and Council will continue to advocate strongly on behalf of our community.
Our purpose remains clear: to deliver for the people of Albury. While this is becoming more difficult, our commitment has not changed. We are working hard to manage risk, prioritise carefully and avoid unnecessary increases wherever possible, while still planning responsibly for the future.
As the year draws to a close, I hope everyone can take time to enjoy what makes this place special - the river, the parks and the shared spaces that quietly shape daily life here.
It is there in the Albury Botanic Gardens, where generations have wandered shaded paths, children have discovered hidden corners and time seems to move a little more slowly beneath mature trees. It is there in the Murray River, steady and familiar, offering space to walk, reflect or simply sit and watch the light change. These are places that cost nothing to enjoy, yet give so much back.
It is also there in our cultural life. Our libraries, galleries and community spaces reflect a city that values learning, expression and inclusion. They remind us that culture is not an extra; it is part of what makes a community resilient.
These natural and cultural assets are not incidental. They are central to why people choose to live here, raise families here and stay connected to this place. Protecting them, while managing growth and financial pressure responsibly, is part of the task ahead.
As we move into 2026, I encourage everyone to take time to enjoy what surrounds us, to spend time with loved ones, and to have your say on the services and priorities that matter most.
On behalf of Council, I wish you a safe and restful Christmas and a very happy New Year.
We look forward to working with our community in 2026 to get the priorities right and to ensure Albury remains a great place to live and work now, and into the future.
Bridgett Leopold
AlburyCity Acting CEO