Cr Kidd released a statement on the decision on Thursday following criticism from councillor Joanne McRae, who also resigned her position as finance policy committee chair after the debate.

He said coronavirus continued to have a dramatic effect on the economy and the government had given the council extra time to re-assess the budget and to look at innovative ways to stimulate business activity and employment.

"Government have given us the opportunity on timelines to try and look at how we can support our community - the majority of councillors, at least seven, want us to use that opportunity," he said.

"Council will also be pressing to see government support for cutting the red-tape that councils have to go through, and will be as far as possible looking at more ways to employ local firms."

He said some possibilities included a bulky goods pick-up, children's parks and playground upgrades and increased footpath maintenance.

"A number of major projects like the sports precinct, the Civic Centre precinct, library, gallery and the conservatorium/planetarium will be discussed and particularly how we can best forward them," he said.

"This will not affect any major projects or progress or plans - in fact it will hopefully expedite them."

"I am sure we can look strategically at how we may be able to get a range of projects, minor and major, with full support of both government and opposition which will boost business activity," he said.

Cr Kidd said the council was well staffed to push forward.