This engagement plan outlines how Council will seek community and stakeholder feedback on two key Council documents:
Engagement will be undertaken in accordance with the Local Government Act 2020 and Council’s Community Engagement Policy.
Project objectives
The Council Plan 2025–2029 was developed through extensive community engagement to ensure it reflects the aspirations, priorities and long‑term vision of the Bayside community. This included engagement with community members, stakeholders and representative groups, alongside analysis of community data and statutory requirements, and a representative deliberative community panel to make considered recommendations on the Plan. Feedback gathered through this process informed Council’s strategic objectives and priorities for the four‑year Council term, which are delivered and reviewed annually through the Annual Action Plan.
Council Plan Annual Action Plan
The Council Plan sets Council’s strategic direction for the four‑year Council term and is implemented through an Annual Action Plan. Each year, Council must review and renew its Action Plan to ensure it continues to reflect community priorities and Council’s strategic intent.
Community engagement will inform Council’s consideration and adoption of the proposed Annual Action Plan, outlining the actions Council intends to deliver in 2026–27. Delivery of the Action Plan is resourced through the Budget.
Annual Budget 2026–27
The Budget 2026–27 outlines the services, programs and capital works Council proposes to fund over the next financial year.
Following Council’s in‑principle approval of the proposed Budget, community members and stakeholders are invited to provide feedback during the consultation period. Feedback received will be considered by Council prior to adopting the Budget by 30 June 2026.
The Council Plan and Action Plan include responses to community safety, community connection and wellbeing; to support a vibrant local economy and ensuring we invest and maintain infrastructure and assets that meet community needs as well as acting to protect and preserve the character and amenity of our residential areas and of treasured natural resources. The Action plan also drives actions to ensure financial responsibility, stewardship of resources, transparency and leadership.
Project impacts
The proposed Annual Budget 2026–27 includes significant investment in community infrastructure, services and asset renewal, and legislative requirements.
Together, the Annual Action Plan and Annual Budget:
- Confirm how Council will deliver services, programs and capital works in 2026–27
- Translate long‑term community priorities into funded actions
- Support transparent decision‑making and sound financial management
- Influence service levels, capital investment priorities and the timing of projects.
Key actions we’ll deliver over the next 12 months:
Goal 1: Our People
Bayside is a safe, inclusive, and active community with opportunities for social connection and wellbeing.
- 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
Goal 2: Our Place
Bayside remains a desirable, well-planned community with valued open spaces, neighbourhood character, and sustainable growth for current and future generations.
- Yalukit Willam Nature Reserve Gateway Building $3.0 million*
- Dendy Park athletics pavilion renewal $3.6 million
- Hurlingham Park Sportsground reconstruction $1.5 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
Funding for essential infrastructure includes:
- $5.7 million on roads and kerbs
- $3.0 million on footpaths and cycleways
- $4.1 million on drainage
Goal 3: Our Promise
Bayside delivers transparent governance, sound financial management, and excellent customer service.
- Review of the 10 year financial plan
- Implementation of the 2026-27 Annual Action Plan.
Budget highlights
The $211.0 million budget will fund over 100 different services to the community - and over a quarter - $55.5 million will be spent on capital projects improving community infrastructure.
- $20.4 million on buildings
- $5.7 million on roads
- $3.0 on footpaths and cycleways
- $4.1 on drainage
- $17.2 million on parks, open space and streetscapes
$0.9 million on foreshores and conservation
What information do we need from the community?
We are seeking community and stakeholder feedback on:
- The proposed Annual Action Plan and whether it reflects Council’s strategic objectives and community priorities
- The proposed Budget 2026–27, including priorities, projects and service levels
What can the community influence?
Community members can:
- Provide feedback on the proposed Annual Action Plan
- Provide feedback on the proposed Budget
- Comment on funding priorities and the timing of actions and projects
What can’t the community influence?
The community cannot influence:
- Legislative requirements, including Council’s obligation to adopt an Annual Budget and Budget by 30 June
- Council decisions already resolved
- Core operational requirements and statutory services
- State‑determined charges, including waste charges and the Emergency Services and Volunteer Fund
- The Council Plan 2025-2029
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.
- Impact: What level of change the stakeholder / community segment may experience as a result of the project / matter
- Interest: What level of interest has been expressed or is anticipated
- Influence: Reference to the IAP2 Spectrum
| 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 deferred/rescheduled projects | H | H | Consult |
| Stakeholders with new projects financed through the budget | H | H | Consult |
| Stakeholder groups/associations/organisations | L | M | Consult |
| Local businesses/traders | L | M | Consult |
| Future Plans Community Panel (email) | 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
- Email notification to Have Your Say members, including those who subscribe to projects affected by this year’s budget.
- Council website and e-newsletter, This Week in Bayside
- Social media
- Video and/or infographics
- Digital screens in Corporate Centre and libraries
Key methods for gathering feedback
- Have Your Say project webpage, including feedback forms and opportunities to ask questions
- Post, phone and email correspondence.
Project timelines
- Proposed Budget 2026-27 endorsed by Council - 21 April 2026 Council meeting
- Community consultation - 23 April – 17 May 2026
- Council
consideration of feedback: May - June 2026
- Adoption
of Annual Action Plan and Annual Budget: by 30 June 2026
Decision-making process
Following the close of community engagement, all feedback will be reviewed and considered. Where appropriate, amendments may be made to the proposed documents.
Council will consider a report summarising community feedback prior to formally adopting the Annual Action Plan and Annual Budget 2026–27 at its June 2026 meeting. Community members may request to be heard or provide a written submission in accordance with Council’s meeting procedures.
Under the Local Government Act 2020, Council must adopt an annual budget by 30 June.
More information
For more information about this engagement, please contact:
- Council Plan Action Plan: Michelle Tipton, Manager Governance on 03 9599 4727 or email mtipton@bayside.vic.gov.au
- Budget 2026-27: Bill Shanahan, Finance Manager, on 03 9599 4340 or bshanahan@bayside.vic.gov.au
