In April – May 2023, we heard from 37 participants through surveys, online Q&A Forum and written submission statements about the proposed Annual Budget 2023-24.

Participant feedback:

Feedback on the proposed budget (37 responses, some raising multiple issues/ concerns) was varied, with the most common response (14) requesting a greater allocation of funding to achieve Goal 1: Our Planet. Areas for additional financial support towards environmental needs, infrastructure, and initiatives included:

• Shared user paths (SUPs) and sustainable active transport connections
• Biodiversity initiatives (including implementing the Biodiversity Action Plan)
• Wildlife protection and improving staff ratios for bushland maintenance services
• Protection and planting of trees and urban forests
• Community environmental education
• Mitigating pollution where possible and avoidance of toxins and chemicals
• Increased access to open and green spaces including walking tracks.

The next most common theme was in support of investment in a Pétanque piste (from 13 members of the Bayside U3A).

Other survey submissions covered a broad range of topics including:

• Opposition to the rate increase, citing raising costs of living as well as Council’s high spend on capital works projects, arts infrastructure/ programs, and the forecast budget surplus as reasons for opposition (4)
• Negative sentiment to the salary increase for Council personnel (2)
• Questioning of the need/ urgency to develop the Warm Water Pool in this challenging economic climate (2)
• Yalukit Willam Nature Reserve Gateway Building (1 submission for each view of positive and negative sentiment)
• Waste collection (1 submission for each view of positive and negative sentiment)
• A request to invest in upgrades/ improvements to the Hampton Bowls Club (1)
• A lack of investment in female-friendly changerooms at community sport facilities (1)

• Request to increase funding for road maintenance, and follow-up with developers who inadequately repair road assets after accessing underground services (1)
• Funding request to reinstate printing of the Banksia Bulletin and Guide to Planting (1).
• A request to redirect funds to low cost/ affordable housing (1)