Council has adopted the 2021-22 Budget that delivers on community priorities and focuses on realising longstanding and much needed community infrastructure.
The 2021-22 budget is the first budget in the new four-year Council plan and aligned to the aspirations of the new Council and community as articulated in the Bayside 2050 Community Vision- a vision to make Bayside a more sustainable, liveable and inclusive place for all.
The $157 million budget sees a record $73.9 million spent on capital projects with 50% $37.35 million for key sports and recreation infrastructure including: Bayside Netball Centre ($15.05 million), Tulip St Basketball extension ($6.9 million), Black Rock and Dendy St Beach Lifesaving club pavilions ($7.8 million) and four sport grounds pavilions ($7.6 million).
Artist's impression: Black Rock Lifesaving Club funded in the 2021-22 budget.
Council will also invest $4.1 million in 2021/22 in its early years assets with the commencement of the redevelopment of the Fern Street Early Years children's centre as well as the North Brighton Children's centre precinct. This is part of its $8.5 million investment in its early years assets over the coming years.
Works will also commence on the $10 million Brighton Recreation centre upgrade due for completion in 2022-23 while $1.7 million will be invested in the Masonic Hall during 2021/22 with the refurbishment also expected to be completed in 2022/23.
The budget will steer Bayside through the continued impacts of COVID-19 with ongoing support for the community including our most vulnerable residents and local traders.
Bayside Mayor Cr Laurence Evans OAM at the opening of the vaccination clinic at Sandringham Hospital with Connect Health President Lars Schiphorst and Sharon Hade from Alfred Health, Sandringham
Bayside Mayor, Cr Laurence Evans OAM said that COVID-19 has highlighted the role of local government within the community and strengthened the relationship between Council and the community.
"This budget reflects what's most important to our municipal community as highlighted in Bayside's 2050 Community Vision," Cr Evans said.
"Alongside a significant $73.9 million capital investment in community infrastructure, we'll continue to provide important core services including aged care, childcare, maternal and child health, planning services, waste collection, parks and gardens maintenance, library services, maintaining valued community facilities and more," Cr Evans said.
This budget signals a shift in investment focus to acting on climate change, protecting the environment and embracing sustainability.
We'll continue to implement Council's Climate Emergency Action Plan, continue to reduce our carbon footprint, and lead the collaborative procurement processes for an advanced waste processing facility in the South East of Melbourne.
Investment in community open space will continue with Councils' transformation of Elsternwick Park Nature reserve and see the development of the Highett Grassy Woodland and Wangara Road masterplans as well as investigate opportunities for investment in open space in Council's activity centres.
Artist's impression: Elsternwick Park Nature reserve
Bayside rates will rise by 1.5% in 2021/22 in line with the Victorian Government's rate cap.
The waste service charge incorporating kerbside collection and recycling will increase 7.8% driven by an increase in the State Government Landfill levy as well as an increase in recycling costs.
"The decision to increase rates was not taken lightly however this revenue is essential for Council's continued investment in community infrastructure and to provide services for our community," Cr Evans said.
The budget includes $73.9 million capital investment in upgrades to community infrastructure including:
- $50.9 million on new buildings for Bayside's active and vibrant community,
- $6.9 million on parks, open space and streetscapes
- $2.1 million on foreshores and conservation
- $4.1 million on roads
- $2.7 million for footpaths and bicycle ways
- $2.5 million for drainage
Budget highlights
This proposed budget commits Council to action in four key areas over the next 12 months:
1. Our Planet - leading better, smarter and sustainable futures
- Implement the Elsternwick Park Nature Reserve masterplan $797,250
- Implement Council's Climate Emergency Action Plan $100,000
- Develop and implement the Urban Forest Strategy
- Develop a Park Improvement and Habitat Linkage Plan $45,000
2. Our People - nurturing all people and thriving healthy communities
- Develop and adopt a new Municipal Health and Wellbeing Plan
- Review Phase 1 and develop Phase 2 of the Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan $76,000
- Implement the new Affordable Housing Strategy
3. Our Place - fostering Bayside's liveability, open spaces and exceptional places
- Bayside Netball Centre $15.05 million
- Dendy Street Beach Pavilion construction $7.1 million
- Tulip Street Basketball Court extension $6.9 million
- Warm Water Pool location feasibility and design works $131,000
- Wangara Road Park masterplan design $70,000
- Beaumaris Arts Centre design works $194,000
- Heritage Review implementation
4. Our Promise - promising open and accountable civic leadership
- Deliver the Annual Budget and the Council Plan
- Develop and deliver the advocacy program on Council's priorities in addressing the climate emergency, a connected sustainable city, and inclusion and accessibility for all.
- Adopt the 10-year Financial Plan
View Council's 2021-22 Budget and longer term planning documents on our Plans and Strategies page.
