We have adopted our 2026/2027 Budget that focuses on our strong commitment to delivering high quality services and robust infrastructure for residents while maintaining long-term financial sustainability.

It is the second budget of our new four-year Council Plan 2025-29 and aligns with the aspirations of the community as articulated in our Bayside 2050 Community Vision.

Bayside Mayor, Cr Debbie Taylor-Haynes said the budget responds to recent cost escalations driven by inflation, ensuring essential services and critical infrastructure remain a focus.

“The $211 million budget will deliver on the key actions outlined in our Council Plan and reflects our focus on our promise, our people and our place,” Cr Taylor-Haynes said.

“We are investing in essential projects and embracing responsible financial management to ensure we remain financially sustainable while also adapting to the evolving needs of our residents and local businesses.”

Investing in the future

In 2026/2027, we will focus on the provision of core infrastructure updates with an investment of $55.5 million in capital works including:

• $20.4 million on buildings
• $5.7 million on roads
• $3 million on footpaths and cycleways
• $4.1 million on drainage
• $17.2 million on parks, open space and streetscapes
• $0.9 million on foreshores and conservation

We are supporting our Activity Centres with a $16.3 million investment over the next four years, ensuring they remain robust and thriving precincts for employment, shopping and social connection.

Rates

The budget will be largely funded by rates, with a 2.75% increase this financial year, in line with the Victorian Government’s rate cap. This represents an increase of $57.15 for the average ratepayer.

Our waste service charge, which covers kerbside collection and recycling, will also increase by 2.9% in accordance with Council’s policy of direct cost recovery.

Cr Taylor-Haynes said our community remains at the forefront of Council’s economic decisions.

“Funding from rates supports ongoing service delivery, infrastructure and renewal of community assets. It also helps our services to cope with population growth, CPI growth and significant cost shifting by the Victorian Government,” said Cr Taylor-Haynes.

“Despite these challenges, our prudent long-term financial management means we are well-positioned to continue delivering the services and infrastructure that make a real difference for our community.”

Budget Highlights

Our People – nurturing all people and thriving healthy communities

• Billilla Mansion essential civil and roof works $1.3 million
• Kindergarten conversion at Brighton Recreation Centre $0.9 million
• Early Years Infrastructure renewal $1.25 million
• Bayside Greek Festival $0.2 million
• Implement the Arts Culture and Libraries Strategy 2027-2031 $0.15 million
• Deliver the Economic Development and Placemaking Strategy
• Expansion of Aged Care Services

Our Place – fostering Bayside’s liveability, open spaces and exceptional places

• Dendy Park athletics pavilion renewal $3.6 million
• Hurlingham Park Sportsground reconstruction $1.5 million
• Yalukit Willam Nature Reserve Gateway Building $3.0 million*
• Urban Design and Placemaking Hampton Street Activity Centre $2.1 million
• Bay Street Activity Centre Upgrades $1 million
• Activity Centre Upgrades $3 million
• Response to State Government Planning reforms $0.1 million
• Beaumaris Concourse toilet and shelter upgrade $1.15 million

*Funded by Federal Government

Our Promise – promising open and accountable civic leadership

• Review and adopt the Financial Plan and Annual Budget
• Implementation of the 2026/27 Annual Action Plan