I think they have just been enjoying spending the Ch5 cash before it ends recently with all the outdoor locations
I think Neighbours could have saved a lot of money and had a better chance to survive if they had slashed the cast to Paul, Karl, Susan, Amy, Nell, Terese, Aaron, David, Chloe, Mckenzie, Hendrix, Zara, Hugo and Nicolette.
That would mean getting rid of some of the boring regulars like Ned, Jane and Harlow and regulars in the credits we hardly ever see like Mel and Clive.
You'd also be getting rid of pointless bit part characters, cameo roles and characters added to the show even though the show were well aware of money issues so Kiri, Curtis, anyway Rodwell/Laing character and the money spent on the likes of Amanda Holden, Tammin Sursok and Sophie Ellis Bextor.
I wouldn't be spending money on outside filming like beach scenes or having a useless London storyline as a legal reason so Gemma Donovan could come see her family and get straight back in to Australia after.