Bayside City Council has adopted the 2024-25 Budget to reflect our commitment to delivering on the priorities of our community now and for the future.
It is the fourth budget of the 2021-2025 Council Plan and aligns with the aspirations of the community as emphasised in the Bayside 2050 Community Vision.
Bayside Mayor, Councillor Fiona Stitfold said the budget reflected Council's prudent and considered plan for investing in services, programs and infrastructure to support the Bayside community.
"As well as important investment in capital projects and infrastructure, the $181 million budget aims to meet our aspirations of protecting our natural environment and creating a strong connection to our community of life."
"A highlight is the continuing expansion of our aged care services to meet the increasing needs of our ageing community," said Cr Stitfold.
"This reaffirms our commitment to ensuring our older residents can remain independent and safe in their homes for as long as possible."
Community priorities first
The 2024/25 Budget features an investment of $55.7 million in Bayside's capital works program which includes:
- $20.8 million on buildings
- $9 million for roads, footpaths and bicycle ways
- $6.3 million for drainage.
Our world-class foreshore, parks and open spaces will receive a $15.4 million investment in 2024/25 including Hampton Foreshore Precinct, Red Bluff to Half Moon Bay Masterplan Stage 3, and Wangara Road Park Masterplan implementation.
The transformation of Yalukit Willam Nature Reserve will continue with $19 million committed over the next 4 years consisting of $5.8 million for the wetlands, $5.5 million for park infrastructure and $7.7 million for design and construction of the new Gateway building.
The budget also includes funding for further implementation of our Climate Emergency Action Plan and Biodiversity Action Plan, both of which will assist Bayside in reaching our net zero target by 2050.
The construction of Boss James Reserve Pavilion and Dendy Park Athletic Pavilion, as well as the upgrade of the Beaumaris Arts Centre, are key projects featured in the Budget.
Recognising the health and wellbeing needs of our ageing population, the Warm Water Pool project will receive the significant investment of $28.9 million over the four-year capital program.
Rates
The budget will be largely funded by rates, with a 2.75% increase which is in line with the Victorian Government's rate cap. This represents an average increase of $55.42 to ratepayers.
"Bayside receives more than 68% of our revenue from rates, which is fundamental to us being able to invest in infrastructure and services," said Cr Stitfold.
"Recognising the current economic conditions and cost of living pressures, the decision to increase rates is difficult but responsible and necessary.
"Revenue from rates enable us to continue to deliver important services and programs that foster community health and wellbeing and reduce social isolation. At the same time we are also investing in necessary community infrastructure in an environment of cost escalations well above inflation and a tight labour market."
The waste management levy will increase by 0.1%, reflecting Council's policy of direct cost recovery. The small increase in 2024/25 demonstrates Council's successful implementation of waste diversion programs as well as additional income from the new Victorian Government deposit recycling scheme.
Budget highlights
Goal 1: Our Planet
- Climate Emergency Action Plan further implementation $0.44 million
- Biodiversity Action Plan further implementation $0.31 million
- Progression of the Highett Grassy Woodland Masterplan $0.38 million
- Yalukit Willam Nature Reserve: Wetlands $5.8 million
Goal 2: Our People
- Municipal Health and Wellbeing Plan $0.4 million
- Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan $0.13 million
- Expansion of Aged Care Services $4.1 million
Goal 3: Our Place
- Completion of the Beaumaris Arts Studio $3.4 million
- Development of the Wangara Road Masterplan $2.4 million
- Commence the Billilla Mansion and precinct restoration $1.0 million
- Construct the Third Street Black Rock drainage upgrade $1.4 million
- Construct the Boss James Pavilion upgrade $2.8 million
Goal 4: Our Promise
- Review of the 10 year financial plan
- Implementation of the 2024/25 Annual Action Plan
- Conduct the LG 2024 elections
- Complete the Councillor mandatory induction program.
