Councillor update from Cr Blair Barker for June/July 2026

Thank you for providing me with the great privilege of representing you. None of the progress we are making would be possible without your ideas.

• I am pleased to say we’re continuing to innovate to improve services and facilities while keeping costs contained. Ideas and innovations started in the Elgar Ward are rolling out to other parts of the city; I am thankful to have been supported by other Councillors, the CEO Mr McMillan and other staff willing to ‘push the envelope’.
• It’s pleasing to report, that subject to the budget passing, the price of a swim for locals that have a concession card visiting an aquatic centre during off-peak hours will nearly halve. Making sure everyone gets a fair go and increasing the usage of our pools in the less busy hours is a win we can be proud of.
• Despite the impact of the Big Build projects, we are improving the liveability of the area, and I am confident we can continue this trend.
• Local parks are improving with more trees, solar lights and sensor lights that enable more people to be more active more often.
• I am also pleased that, despite economic challenges and rising fuel costs, the budget’s expected average rate rise of 2.75% remains, as promised, below inflation.
• Thank you for your efforts, for sharing your ideas and giving me this amazing privilege.

Please say hi if you see me and Paddy (pictured) out and about.