Project objective
The Annual Budget 2024-25 outlines the services and initiatives to be funded for the next financial year.
Following Council’s in-principle approval of the proposed Annual Budget 2024-25 on 23 April 2024, community members and project stakeholders are encouraged to provide their feedback on the proposed Budget between 24 April and 14 May 2024 for the consideration of Council.
Community consultation on the Annual Budget is conducted in accordance with the Local Government Act 2020 and Council’s Community and Stakeholder Engagement Policy 2021.
Project impacts
Council’s proposed Annual Budget 2024-25 is informed by the Bayside 2050 Community Vision, the Council Plan 2021 – 2025 and Financial Plan 2024-25 – 2033-34. The Budget funds services and initiatives Council has committed to deliver.
The proposed $181.0 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 2.75%, which is in accordance with the Victorian Government’s rate cap. This rate increase is essential for the continuation of our community services and capital investment.
The waste service charge incorporating kerbside collection and recycling is not subject to the rate cap legislation and will increase by 0.1%.
$55.7 million is earmarked to deliver important community infrastructure via the capital works program. This continues Council’s multi-year program to address historic under-investment and is enabled by continuing strong financial management.
Highlights
- Investment in our Aged Care Services so we can expand to the delivery of Home Care Packages to meet the increasing needs of our ageing community.
- Taking action on Climate Change by further implementing the Climate Emergency Action Plan and the Biodiversity Action Plan.
- Continuing the transformation of Yalukit Willam Nature Reserve into a natural urban oasis to benefit thousands of Baysiders and visitors for years to come.
- Upgrades to footpaths, roads and drainage, foreshore and parks, and sports pavilions to support accessibility, recreation, and liveability in Bayside.
What key initiatives are included in this year’s budget?
The Annual Budget 2024/25 includes the following key initiatives:
- Climate Emergency Action Plan
- Biodiversity Action Plan
- Highett Grassy Woodland Masterplan
- Yalukit Willam Nature Reserve: Wetlands
- Municipal Health and Wellbeing Plan
- Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan
- Expansion of Aged Care Services
- Completion of the Beaumaris Arts Studio
- Wangara Road Masterplan
- Billilla Mansion and precinct restoration
- Third Street Black Rock drainage upgrade
- Boss James Pavilion upgrade
Deferred Projects
The table below lists key changes to the 4 year capital program.
Note: The table does not list every project in the 4 year capital program, it includes only:
- cancelled projects
- projects deferred beyond 4 years
- projects where the budget has been reduced.
What information do we need from the community?
We are engaging with our community to seek feedback on Council’s Proposed Annual Budget 2024-25.
What can the community influence?
What can’t the community influence?
Stakeholders and community
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.
| Stakeholder / community | Impact | Interest | Influence |
| General Bayside community | L | L | Consult |
| Individual community members with broad interests in the business of Council and governance | L | H | Consult |
| Organisations/groups/individuals affected by rescheduled projects | H | H | Consult |
| Stakeholders with new projects financed through Annual Budget 2024-25 | H | H | Consult |
| Stakeholder groups/associations/organisations | L | M | Consult |
| Local businesses/traders | L | M | Consult |
Selected tools and techniques
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
Key methods for gathering feedback
Project timelines
- Proposed Annual Budget 2024-25 endorsed by Council
23 April 2024 Council meeting - Community consultation
24 April - 14 May 2024 - Adoption of Annual Budget 2024-25
Council to consider community feedback at its 04 June briefing meeting and adoption of Annual Budget 2024-25 on 18 June 2024
Decision-making process
The Annual Budget 2024-25 is informed by community priorities articulated in the Bayside 2050 Community Vision and Council Plan 2021-2025.
Following the close of community engagement on 14 May 2024, 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 on the 04 June briefing and adopt the proposed Annual Budget 2024-25 at its meeting on 18 June 2024. The agenda for this meeting will be available to view here when published.
Interested community members will also have an opportunity to request to be heard at the Council meeting on 18 June 2024 and speak to Council at the meeting or provide a written statement which will be published in the meeting agenda.
Under the Local Government Act 2020, Council must adopt an annual budget by the 30 June 2024.
More information
For more information about this project please contact Bill Shanahan, Chief Financial Officer, on 9599 4340 or bshanahan@bayside.vic.gov.au
