Council has adopted the proposed 2023-24 Budget which provides for the delivery of programs and services to make Bayside a more liveable, inclusive and connected place while consolidating investment in contemporary community infrastructure.
The $179.6 million Budget focuses in four key areas aligned with the 2021-2025 Council Plan over the next 12 months:
- Our Planet – leading better, smarter and sustainable futures
- Our People – nurturing all people and thriving healthy communities
- Our Place – fostering Bayside’s liveability, open spaces and exceptional places
- Our Promise – promising open and accountable civic leadership.
The continued expansion of services for older residents to help them remain independent, safe and confident in their homes is a highlight of the proposed Budget. Bayside is an ageing community and we are strongly committed to aged care services when some other local governments are stepping away.
The Budget also includes focused funding for “bread and butter” responsibilities, with a boost to footpath, road and infrastructure maintenance. A liveable city needs a strong underlying foundation, and this Budget will help us to deliver on the fundamentals.
Further recognising the health and wellbeing needs of our ageing population, we will continue our significant investment in a Warm Water Pool. This will provide much needed gentle exercise and rehabilitation facilities locally for our community.
The reimagining of Billilla Mansion is another exciting, long term project that will receive a boost this year, with funding to begin the restoration and activation of this wonderfully historic community asset.
A $68.5 million capital works program will continue to deliver contemporary facilities for the active and engaged Bayside community. This Budget includes funding for Beaumaris Arts Centre, Brighton Recreational Centre, Fern Street Children’s Centre, Black Rock Life Saving Club Pavilion and Dendy Park Athletic Pavilion.
The proposed Budget includes funding to upgrade Bayside’s foreshore, parks, and open spaces with $13.4 million investment in initiatives such as the Hampton Foreshore Precinct, Red Bluff to Half Moon Bay Masterplan Stage 3, and William Street Reserve Sportsground Renewal. The transformation of Yalukit Willam Nature Reserve will continue with the design phases of the transformative wetlands and gateway building projects starting this year.
The Budget will be largely funded by rates, with a 3.5% increase which is in line with the Victorian Government’s rate cap.
Bayside receives more than 63% of all revenue from rates, one of the highest levels of any local government in Victoria. The decision to increase rates is never taken lightly however this rate increase will enable continued investment in important community infrastructure and provide services for our community in an environment of cost escalations well above inflation and a tight labour market.
The waste management levy will increase by 2.2%, reflecting Council’s policy of direct cost recovery. This reflects a continuing escalation in waste disposal costs and reinforces the need for further efforts to divert Bayside’s waste from landfill.
This considered Budget was developed against a backdrop of tightening economic conditions that are impacting Council as well as our community. Despite this, our long term prudent financial management means Council is well positioned to continue to provide the services and infrastructure the Bayside community needs now and into the future.
We are also seeking community feedback on the 2023-24 Council Plan Year 3 Action Plan.
