The proposed 2024/25 Budget establishes Council's commitment to maintaining and improving services and infrastructure while delivering important capital projects that are valued by our community.
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, Cr Fiona Stitfold said the budget ensures Bayside remains a liveable, inclusive and connected place.
"The $181 million budget seeks to deliver important capital projects while continuing to provide important services and programs for the community," said Cr Stitfold.
"A highlight of this budget is the expansion of our Home Care Packages to meet the increasing needs of our ageing community.
"This reaffirms our commitment to aged care and to ensure our older population remain independent and safe in their homes."
Investing in the future
The 2024/25 budget features sustained investment in our roads, footpaths and infrastructure maintenance to ensure Bayside has a strong foundation, including investment in the Third Street Black Rock drainage upgrade.
Our $55.7 million capital works program will continue to deliver important facilities for our active and engaged community. This includes the renewals of Boss James Reserve Pavilion, Dendy Park Athletic Pavilion, and an upgrade of the Beaumaris Arts Centre.
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.
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 exciting project of Yalukit Willam Nature Reserve will continue with $5.8 million committed to Stage 3 of the wetlands project as well as $7.7 million for design and construction of the Elsternwick Park 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 2035.
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.
"Bayside receives more than 68% of our revenue from rates, which allows us to invest in infrastructure and services," said Cr Stitfold.
"The decision to increase rates is never taken lightly however this rate increase will enable us to continue to deliver important services and programs while 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 reflects Council's successful implementation of waste diversion programs as well as additional income from the new deposit recycling scheme.
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 we are well positioned to continue to provide the services and infrastructure our community needs now and into the future.
Key highlights include:
- Implementing the Climate Emergency Action Plan
- Progressing the Highett Grassy Woodlands Masterplan
- Implementing the Love Bayside campaign
- Progressing the Yalukit Willam Nature Reserve: Wetlands and Gateway building
- Implementing the Recycling and Waste Management Strategy
- Continuing delivering the Biodiversity Action Plan
- Implementing the Municipal Health and Wellbeing Plan implementation
- Developing and commence a new Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan
- Expansing Council's aged care service
- Completing the Beaumaris Arts Group Studio
- Progressing the Warm Water Pool
- Developing the Wangara Road Park Masterplan.
Community engagement has commenced on the draft Annual Budget 2024-25. Consultation closes on 14 May 2024.
