Local Government Industry: Speak up for safer staffing
Across Queensland Local Government (LG) and Water Authorities, we're hearing growing concerns about unfilled vacancies, position cuts, and unsustainable workloads. These pressures are impacting not only service delivery - but also the health, safety, and wellbeing of the employees who keep our Councils running.
The Services Union is by your side as we work to address these issues.
If this sounds familiar, you're not alone.
Recent staffing cuts at City of Gold Coast Council, Brisbane City Council and Bundaberg Regional Council have raised serious concerns, while unfilled vacancies are at an all-time high in Councils like Toowoomba Regional and Townsville City, with the Queensland statewide LG vacancies sitting currently at approximately 5,000.
To better understand what’s happening at work - including the constant cost and service shifting pressures - we’re launching a short survey to hear directly from Union members. Your feedback will help us address cuts at the local, state, and federal levels, advocate for safer staffing levels, and work towards achieving improved working conditions.
🗓️ This survey, emailed to members today, is open to all Local Government and Water Authority members and potential members until 5:00 PM on Friday, 21 November 2025.
🔒 Your individual response is strictly confidential.
Together, we can highlight the real impact of workforce shortages - the unsustainable pressure on staff - and demand the respect and resources you deserve.
After completing the survey, please share the link with your colleagues. If you work with someone who isn’t yet a Union member, talk to them about the importance of a strong Union and a strong collective voice.
If this survey raises emotional stress or if you're experiencing difficulty at work due to the current environment, support is available at:
- Beyond Blue:1300 224 636
- Workers’ Psychological Support Service: 1800 370 732 or [email protected].