The Annual Budget 2021-22 outlines the services and initiatives to be funded for the next financial year. This is the first Annual Budget for Bayside’s 2020-2024 Council, elected in November 2020 for a four-year term.

Following Council’s in-principle approval of the Proposed Annual Budget 2021-22 on 18 May 2021, community members and project stakeholders are encouraged to provide their feedback on the proposed Budget between 19 May and 2 June 2021 for the consideration of Council.

Public consultation on Council’s Annual Budget was formerly a Section 223 process under the Local Government Act 1989. Community consultation on the Annual Budget 2021-22 is now conducted in accordance with the Local Government Act 2020 and Council’s Community and Stakeholder Engagement Policy 2021.

Council’s proposed Annual Budget 2021-22 is informed by the Bayside 2050 Community Vision, the Council Plan 2021 – 2025 and Financial Plan 2021-22 – 2030-31. The Budget funds services and initiatives Council has committed to deliver.

The proposed $157 million budget commits Council to action in four key areas 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 ambitious agenda delivered by this budget will be funded by a rate increase of 1.5%, which is accordance with the Victorian Government’s rate cap. The waste service charge incorporating kerbside collection and recycling that is not subject to the rate cap legislation will increase 7.8%. This is driven by an increase in the State Government Landfill levy, as well as an increase in recycling costs. This rate increase is essential for the continuation of our capital investment, while also making it possible for residents experiencing hardship due to COVID-19 to defer their payments.

Just over half of the proposed budget is earmarked to deliver important community infrastructure via $73.9 million in capital works. This continues Council’s multi-year program to address historic under-investment and is enabled by continuing strong financial management.

Alongside this significant capital investment, Council will continue to support our community through the ongoing 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.

Deferred projects

Community priorities articulated in the Bayside 2050 Community Vision and Council Plan 2021-2025 have prompted a change in emphasis in this year’s Budget and meant some projects have been deferred. The schedule for infrastructure delivery has also taken into consideration the current condition of existing facilities. Deferred projects include:

Streetscapes

• Black Rock: Previously had a budget of $1.289 million to be spent across 2021/22 and 22/23. Now proposed to have a budget of $1.25 million and not funded until 25/26 and/or 26/27.
• Sandringham: Previously had a budget of $3.06 million to be spent across 2021/22, 22/23 and 23/24. Now proposed to have a budget of $2.91 million and not be funded until 25/26 and/or 26/27.

Sporting pavilions

• Moorabbin West pavilion: Previously planned to be delivered over two years from 2021/22. Now proposed to commence in 2024/25 and be completed during 2026/27
• Peterson Reserve: Previously planned to be delivered over two years from 2021/22. Now proposed to commence in 2024/25 and be completed during 2027/28
• Brighton Beach Oval: Previously planned to be completed in 2022/23. Now proposed to commence in 2024/25 and be completed at the end of 2025/26
• Sandringham Athletics pavilion: Previously planned to commence in 2022/23 and be completed in 2023/24. Now proposed to commence in 2024/25 and be completed during 2026/27
• Tulip Street Baseball: Previously planned to commence in 2022/23 and be completed in 2023/24. Now proposed to commence in 2024/25 and be completes during 2026/27.

We are engaging with our community to seek feedback on Council’s Proposed Annual Budget 2021-22.

Annual Budget 2021-22 – noting that funding priorities have been set by the Bayside 2050 Community Vision, Council Plan 2021 – 2025 and Financial Plan 2021-22 – 2030-31.

• Legislative requirement for Council to adopt Annual Budget 2021-22 by 30 June 2021
• Council operations, resource allocation and projects Council has resolved to deliver
• Waste charge: Direct cost recovery due to State Government landfill levy increases

This stakeholder assessment is a generalised understanding of sections of the community that have a connection to the project or matter. This information is used to understand the types of tools and techniques that will achieve the strongest and most effective outcomes for engagement and communication.

Impact: What level of change the stakeholder / community segment may experience as a result of the project / matter

Interest: What level of interest has been expressed or is anticipated

Influence: Reference to the IAP2 Spectrum

The tools and techniques selected for this project are informed by the project content, stakeholders and type of feedback sought.

Key tools for communicating the project

• Email notification to Have Your Say members, including those who subscribe to projects affected by this year’s budget.
• Council website and e-newsletter, This Week in Bayside
• Social media, especially sponsored posts to increase audience reach
• Video and/or infographics
• Digital screens in Corporate Centre and libraries

Key methods for gathering feedback

• Have Your Say project webpage, including feedback forms and opportunities to ask questions
• Post, phone and email correspondence.

The Annual Budget 2021-22 is informed by community priorities articulated in the Bayside 2050 Community Vision and Council Plan 2021-2025.

Following the close of community engagement at 5pm, 2 June 2021, community and stakeholder feedback will be considered and amendments made to the proposed Budget, if required

Council will consider a report on community engagement on the Budget and adopting a proposed Annual Budget 2021-22 at its meeting on 29 June 2021. The agenda for this meeting will be available to view here when published. Under the Local Government Act 2020, Council must adopt an annual budget by the 30 June 2021.

For more information about this project please contact Bill Shanahan, Finance Manager, on 9599 4340 or bshanahan@bayside.vic.gov.au