Activities proposed to be delivered within the 2020/21 year include:

• Implement COVID-19 Recovery plans for vibrant shopping strips/local employment and to support aged and vulnerable members of our community
• Completion of public toilets at Green Point and Thomas Street Reserve
• Completion of the AW Oliver Reserve Pavilion
• Completion of the design phase for three significant pavilions – Elsternwick Park Oval 4, Beaumaris Sports Pavilion, Sillitoe Reserve
• Reconstruction of the Sandringham Athletics Track
• Complete the Thomas Street Reserve Regional playground
• Complete design to the Beaumaris Arts Centre building
• Develop an Environmentally Sustainable Development Policy
• Commence construction of phase 1 of the Elsternwick Park Nature Reserve
• Progress the establishment of an alternative waste processing facility
• Develop a Climate Emergency Action Plan
• Conduct the 2020 Council Elections
• Implement legislative changes as a result of the 2020 Local Government Act.

These activities are proposed and will be funded via the Annual Budget 2020/21 which was considered by Council at its May 2020 meeting.

The 2020/21 Budget proposes a steady path through the COVID-19 pandemic, providing services and support for the Bayside community and infrastructure investment to stimulate economic recovery.

In 2020/21 Council will focus on the provision of core services and a program of infrastructure upgrades funded by a $138.1 million budget.

Proposed upgrades includes $12.9 million on parks, open space and streetscapes, $12.4 million on buildings, $3.7 million for roads, $2.2 million for foreshores and conservation, $1.8 million for footpaths and bicycle ways and $1.6 million on drainage.

Some of the highlights proposed in this budget include:

• Construction of the new Thomas Street Reserve Playground
• Reconstruction of the Sandringham Athletics Track
• Refurbishment of the Sandringham Masonic Hall
• Commence Phase 1 of Elsternwick Park Nature Reserve
• Construct new public toilets at Thomas Street Reserve and Green Point
• Complete construction AW Oliver Reserve pavilion
• Continue design and planning for the Dendy Street Beach pavilion, Bayside Netball Centre and Beaumaris Arts Centre redevelopment.

COVID-19 will reduce Council’s revenue from fees, charges and fines by an estimated $6 million including $2.7 million in the first quarter of 2020/21.

Bayside rates will increase by 2% in 2020/21 in line with the Victorian Government’s Fair Go Rates System.

While rates represent only 3.5% of total taxation paid by Australians, they fund 30% of the community’s assets such as roads, drains, parks, open space, footpaths and public buildings.

In the near term, rates will support the Bayside COVID-19 recovery plan including reinvigorating local shopping villages and employment hubs once social distancing requirements are relaxed, as well as working to re-establish social connections across our community.

Submissions are now closed.

All submissions received in accordance with section 223 of the Local Government Act 1989 will be considered at a Special Committee of Council Meeting to be held on Wednesday 24 June 2020 in the Council Chamber, Boxshall Street Brighton

• 6:30pm for the Council Plan 2017-2021 (Proposed 2020 Review) and the Strategic Resource Plan 2020/21 to 2023/24;
• 7.30pm for the Annual Budget 2020/21.

Subject to any changes resulting from consideration of community submissions, the Council Plan 2017-2021 (Proposed 2020 Review); Strategic Resource Plan 2020/21 to 2023/24 and Annual Budget 2020/21 will be adopted at a Special Meeting of Council to be held on Tuesday 30 June 2020 at 6:30pm in the Council Chamber, Boxshall Street Brighton.

Please note due to the impact of COVID-19, alternative arrangements may be in place for Council meetings. Notification will be posted on Council’s website prior to the relevant Committee or Council meeting and submitters will receive written advice confirming arrangements.