Bass Coast Shire Council has adopted its 2025-26 Annual Budget, reaffirming its commitment to delivering high-quality services and infrastructure across the Shire while maintaining financial discipline within the State Government's 3 per cent rate cap.
The $123.2 million Budget outlines a $31.5 million capital works program, supports major strategic projects, and provides for new borrowings to fund vital infrastructure.
Bass Coast Mayor, Cr Rochelle Halstead, said the Budget reflects Council's commitment to both community wellbeing and long-term sustainability.
"This Budget strikes a careful balance. It supports the essential services our residents rely on every day, while delivering on infrastructure that will help meet the needs of a growing population," Cr Halstead said.
"We've been disciplined in our approach; targeting efficiencies, managing costs and continuing to invest in what matters most to our community."
Despite rising costs and a lower-than-expected increase in rates revenue, the Budget projects a modest operating deficit of $1.5 million, returning to surplus in 2026-27 and maintaining a balanced cash position for 2025-26. Council's operating deficit has been impacted, due to the Wonthaggi landfill rehabilitation works which are fully funded by financial reserves.
Highlights:
- $3.5 million for the Inverloch to Wonthaggi Trail
- $3 million for Cowes Streetscape improvements
- $2 million for Bass Recreation Reserve Netball Pavilion
- $1.9 million for Wonthaggi Netball Pavilion
- $650,000 for Urban Roads and Drainage Improvement (URDI)
- $440,000 for Phillip Island Sporting Precinct
- $400,000 for climate change actions, supporting Council's Climate Change Action Plan
- $330,000 for accessible beach access at Cowes
To help fund these major community assets, Council has included $2 million in new borrowings-$1 million each for the Inverloch to Wonthaggi Trail and the Wonthaggi Netball Pavilion, while still budgeting a net debt reduction of $3 million.
The adjusted underlying result reflects a significant increase in depreciation costs due to newly delivered assets like Berninneit and infrastructure asset valuations, and lower growth in rateable properties.
"We're backing regional facilities that improve community life now and set us up for the future."
The Revenue and Rating Plan 2025, also adopted at this Council Meeting, maintains a farm rate differential of 80% and supports the rural community through the Rural Land Management Program, returning around $675,000 to support responsible land management.
Community feedback helped shape the final Budget, with public submissions and engagement sessions held in Cowes, Inverloch and Corinella during April and May.
To learn more go to http://www.basscoast.vic.gov.a...;
