The stretch of wall, running behind five properties in Masthead Drive, Raby Bay, had been highlighted as a "high priority" for restoration works, according to a council report, but was scheduled for next financial year's capital works program due to a shortfall in the 'canal reserve' funds.

The emergency works alone have cost $289,493, which the canal reserve covered, but more restoration work will have to be undertaken next financial year.

Redland City councillor for Raby Bay Craig Ogilvie said the emergency works were not costing any extra money. It was only bringing forward already budgeted funding.

George Harris of the Raby Bay Ratepayers Association said while the shifting wall was not a real cause for concern, the funding for ongoing repairs to canal walls was being contested by residents.

"A little bit of movement in the walls is not too drastic a concern. What is getting up our noses is that the shifting walls is not our fault but the council is getting us to fund it," Mr Harris said.

"We've seen reports from when the estate was being built showing the council knew about problems with the construction, but they're hitting us with a $2000 levy every year to fix their mistakes.

"We petitioned the council to meet us in a 50/50 funding arrangement, but with no success, so we're taking our argument ? that it's the council's responsibility to ensure the canals were built to a certain level - to the State Government."

Funding for the works is currently met in a 90/10 ratio of canal levy to council funding.

"The emergency works were covered in the current canal levy, but to complete the full restoration program is going to blow the budget way out, and it's not equitable," Mr Harris said.

The works were also brought forward because the additional movement of the bank threatened to destabilise the swimming pools and a masonry gazebo at neighbouring properties. Two inclinometers will be installed at the site to monitor the movement after the work is completed.