The Canberra Times reports that the ACT Government’s City and Environment Directorate is set to cut more than 100 jobs as part of efforts to manage ongoing budget pressures.

The reduction represents approximately 3 to 5 per cent of the directorate’s workforce, or around 130 roles, and is intended to help align staffing costs with available funding while continuing to deliver what officials describe as essential public services.

The directorate is responsible for key civic functions including public transport oversight, waste management, urban planning and development, and broader environmental maintenance.These services are highly visible in everyday life and are central to the upkeep of Canberra’s urban environment.Director-General Dave Peffer has said the restructuring will ensure the organisation can continue to operate within budget constraints.

He also indicated that workload adjustments will be made across teams, including reducing or removing certain activities to match available staffing levels.However, the announcement has prompted concern from unions and commentators.

The Community and Public Sector Union has warned that the cuts could lead to reduced service capacity and risks to environmental and sustainability outcomes that the community values.

Union representatives argue that staff are already under pressure and that scaling back resources could compromise service delivery rather than improve efficiency.

Economist Saul Eslake has also pointed to the ACT Government’s deteriorating financial position, suggesting that sustained spending without adequate revenue growth is contributing to budget strain.

While the directorate has already reduced senior executive positions and streamlined management structures, critics argue that further workforce reductions may undermine Canberra’s reputation for high standards in public service delivery.

The debate centres on whether essential services can be maintained effectively under tighter staffing conditions, or whether service quality will inevitably decline as resources are reduced.