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Each year, Council develops an annual budget that outlines how we will fund the delivery of projects, programs, and more than 100 different services to our community.

This year’s proposed $202.6 million budget reflects the aspirations of Bayside's new Council in responding to the cost of living crisis with a zero percent rate increase and a strong focus on the fundamentals – maintaining and building the infrastructure that our community uses every day.

The recent impact of cost escalations driven by high inflation has led Council to focus on essential services and infrastructure, investing in critical services including improving local roads, footpaths and drainage, as well as our parks and foreshore and local shopping strips.

Provide your feedback on the proposed Budget 2025-26 via the survey below before consultation closes at 5pm, 21 May 2025.

  • Timeline item 1 - complete

    No rate increase

    Freezing rates for the 2025-26 financial year in response to cost of living pressures

  • Timeline item 2 - complete

    Essential infrastructure and assets

    • $1.5 million increase for maintenance and cleaning services, including new toilets, new open space, legislated tree pruning, new building operations.
    • $2.7 million on drainage projects as well as an additional $0.6 million for a new proactive drainage maintenance and condition inspection program.

  • Timeline item 3 - complete

    Expansion of Aged Care Services

    Investment in expanding our Aged Care Services so we can meet the increasing needs of our ageing community.

  • Timeline item 4 - complete

    Yalukit Willam Nature Reserve

    Continuing the transformation of Yalukit Willam Nature Reserve into a natural urban oasis with contruction of the wetlands and Gateway Building.

  • Timeline item 5 - complete

    Shopping strip upgrades

    Strengthening our Activity Centres, which provide hubs for employment, shopping and social connection, with a $5 million investment over the next four years.

  • Key changes to the budget

    • Deferral of the Warm Water Pool ($25.979M) pending an aquatics feasibility study during 2025-26. The aquatics strategy will consider the long term plans for both the Sandringham Family Leisure Centre and the Warm Water Pool.
    • Reducing capital works spending by $2.2M from years 5 to 10 in the long-term Financial Plan
    • Operational savings made by removing some environmental initiatives including Urban Forest Strategy additional tree planting program and carbon offset scheme.

  • The deferral of the Warm Water Pool will allow Council to redirect funding to the following projects over the next four years

    • Fast track the playground strategy $2.885M, starting with Cheltenham Recreation Reserve
    • Increased funding for Middle Brighton Baths toilet and shower upgrades $0.5M
    • Activity centre renewal $5M
    • Implement Dendy Beach Visitor Management Plan $5.6M
    • Dendy Park irrigation $1.5M

The $202.6 million budget will fund over 100 different services to the community

Almost a third ($58.6 million) will be spent on capital projects improving community infrastructure.

Major projects funded in this budget

Yalukit Willam Nature Reserve wetlands ($4.7 million) and Gateway Building ($4.4 million) - funded by Federal Government.
Yalukit Willam Nature Reserve
Wangara Road remediation $3.2 million
Ariel image of Wangara Road driving range
Billilla Mansion and precinct restoration $1.8 million
External view of Billilla Manison
Hampton foreshore precinct: all access improvements $2.8 million
Artist impression of upgraded playspace at Hampton Foreshore with point of view from the water, looking across the sand to playspace with colourful umbrellas
Dendy Park athletic pavilion renewal $1.0 million
Banksia Reserve Sportsground reconstruction $1.7 million

  • Find out more

    Read answers to frequently asked questions about the budget or ask your own question.

    Ask a question 

Have your say on the proposed budget

Complete the survey or upload a written statement below. Consultation closes 5pm 21 May 2025.

Timeline

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Contact us

yoursay@bayside.vic.gov.au

(03) 9599 4444

www.bayside.vic.gov.au

Bayside City Council, 76 Royal Avenue

PO Box 27, Sandringham VIC 3191

For general enquiries to Bayside Council

bayside.vic.gov.au/contact-us

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