Bayside budget to deliver on community priorities

The proposed 2021-22 Budget represents Bayside City Council’s commitment to delivering on the priorities of our Bayside community now and into the future.

It realises longstanding and much needed community infrastructure projects and refocuses on the aspirations of the new Council and community as articulated in the Bayside 2050 Community Vision- a vision to make Bayside a more sustainable, liveable and inclusive place for all.

Bayside Mayor Cr Laurence Evans OAM said that the prudently constructed budget is being considered in a unique post-crisis environment.

“This budget reflects the modern reality of local government –not simply to pick up rubbish, repair roads and charge rates but to provide good governance for the benefit and wellbeing of our municipal community,’ he said.

“Alongside a significant $73.9 million capital investment in community infrastructure including new facilities for our netballers, life savers, oldest and youngest residents, we will continue to support our community through the recovery of the COVID-19 pandemic.

This includes initiating social reconnection, local economy and event programs to stimulate recovery as well as maintaining strong services to support the most vulnerable members of our community,” Cr Evans said.

In 2021-22 Council will focus on the provision of core services and a program of infrastructure upgrades funded by a $157 million budget.

Proposed upgrades include $50.9 million on new buildings for Bayside’s active and vibrant community, $9 million on foreshore, parks, and open space, $6 million for roads, $2.1 million for foreshores and conservation, $2.7 million for footpaths and bicycle ways and $2.5 million on drainage.

The community feedback on the proposed Annual Budget 2021-22 will be considered at the 29 June 2021 Ordinary Council meeting.

Budget highlights

Some of the highlights proposed in this budget include:

The design and construction of 4 sporting pavilions including: Donald McDonald Reserve, Boss James Reserve and Silitoe Reserve. Commence construction of the Dendy Street Beach Pavilion. Construction of the Bayside Netball Centre Construction of the Tulip Street Basketball Court Extension Warm Water Pool location feasibility and design works Exercise equipment for older adults in playground upgrades Wangara Road Park masterplan design Commence construction on the Fern Street early years integration children's centre Commence the renewal of the Black Rock Lifesaving club Continue works on the Sandringham Masonic Hall redevelopment and the Brighton Recreational centre.

Cr Evans said the proposed budget funds services and infrastructure and continues support for the Bayside community during recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

“As the closest level of government to the community, Councils connect with residents on a daily basis. The recent experience of COVID-19 shows how important our support, services and facilities are to the wellbeing of our community,” he said.

Rates

The ambitious agenda delivered by this budget will be funded by a rate increase of 1.5% which is in accordance with the Victorian Government’s rate cap.

The waste service charge incorporating kerbside collection and recycling will increase 7.8% driven by an increase in the State Government Landfill levy as well as an increase in recycling costs.

Bayside Mayor, Cr Laurence Evans OAM said Council rates fund a range of critical community services including maternal and child health, aged and disability care, waste and recycling services, and public health inspections.

“The decision to increase rates was not taken lightly however this revenue is essential for Council’s continued investment in community infrastructure and to provide services for our community,” he said.

“During emergencies and difficult times, demand for these critical services tends to increase rather than decrease.”

Any ratepayers who are facing financial hardship can contact our Revenue Services Team to discuss their payment options including the deferral of rates.

Your rates payment options