The proposed 2026-2027 represents Council's commitment to delivering high quality services and robust infrastructure for our community, while remaining focussed on safeguarding long-term financial sustainability.
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.
Bayside Mayor, Councillor Debbie Taylor-Haynes said the $211 million budget demonstrated Council's strong commitment to achieving the vision set out in our Council Plan 2025-2029.
"This Budget delivers on Council's aspirations with a strong focus on the fundamentals - maintaining and building the infrastructure that our community uses every day without putting further pressure on the community during these trying financial times," Cr Taylor-Haynes said.
Ready, Set, Deliver
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 and kerbs
- $3.0 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
Back to basics
Our $55.5 million capital works program makes up over a quarter of the budget, with a revised program based on community service needs and renewal requirements.
This year's program includes $10.3 million for standout projects, such as the renewal of the Dendy Park Athletics Pavilion, essential civil and roof works at Billilla Mansion, upgrades to Early Years infrastructure, plus improvements to Beaumaris Concourse Toilet and Shelter. We are also beginning construction of the Yalukit Willam Nature Reserve Gateway Building, supported with funding by the Australian Government.
Another budget highlight is the continued growth of our fully funded Home Care Package service. Grant and fee income from the Home Care Packages is expected to grow by $5.3 million and Council will deliver $35.7 million of funded Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) and Aged Care Packages to Bayside and Glen Eira clients during 2026/27.
As Bayside's engine room, our Activity Centres are a key focus for Council with a $16.3 million investment over the next four years. $6.3 million is included in the 2026/27 budget for Activity Centres including $2.1 million for urban design and placemaking for Hampton Street Activity Centre and $1.0 million for Bay Street Activity Centre upgrades.
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 $57.17 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.
Bayside Mayor, Cr Debbie 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.
"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."
After finalising its Aquatics Strategy in April 2026, Council will commence the development of a fully funded business case in 2026/27 and has allocated provisionally $80.5 million in its long-term financial plan for detailed design and construction. The project is expected to be funded from a combination of rates revenue, restricted and unrestricted cash reserves, borrowings, and external grants. The fully funded business case, which is expected to be delivered in 2026/27, will confirm the cost estimates for construction, the funding model, and ongoing operating model.
Budget highlights
Yalukit Willam Nature Reserve Gateway Building $3.0 million*
Dendy Park athletics pavilion renewal $3.6 million
Billilla Mansion essential civil and roof works $1.3 million
Kindergarten conversion at Brighton Recreation Centre $0.9 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
Bayside Greek Festival $0.2 million
*Funded by Federal Government
Read the proposed 2026/27 Budget
Have Your Say
Help shape our proposed Annual Budget 2026-27 and Action Plan, which set out Council's priorities for the second year of the Council Plan 2025-29 and how we plan to fund them.
Find out what's proposed and share your thoughts on Have Your Say yoursay.bayside.vic.gov.au/budget
Feedback is open until 5pm Sunday 17 May 2026.
Have Your Say on the proposed 2026/27 Budget
