The proposed 2025/2026 Budget represents Council's commitment to delivering on the fundamentals, while remaining focused on ensuring vital programs and services can service our community now and into the future.
The recent impact of cost escalations driven by high inflation has led Council to focus on essential services and infrastructure our community use every day.
Bayside Mayor, Councillor Hanna El Mouallem said the $202.6 million budget aligns with the aspirations of the new Council and responds to cost-of-living pressures on the community.
"This steadfast Budget seeks to maintain and improve our services and infrastructure without putting further pressure on the community during a cost-of-living crisis," Cr El Mouallem said.
"We are focused on reinforcing the foundation for a thriving and vibrant community with sensible financial management leading the way."
Ready, Set, Deliver
In 2025/26, we will focus on the provision of core infrastructure updates with an investment in the capital budget of $58.6 million including:
- $17.5 million on buildings
- $3.6 million on roads
- $4.4 million on footpaths and bicycle ways
- $2.7 million on drainage
- $17.8 million on parks, open space and streetscapes
- $5.5 million on foreshores and conservation.
Back to basics
Our $58.6 million capital works program makes up almost one third of the budget, with a revised program based on community service needs and renewal requirements.
This year's drainage investment is focused on designing flood mapping, with a significant spend on upgrades planned over the next four years to mitigate flooding risks. We are also increasing our maintenance and cleaning services, including upgrading public toilets along the foreshore.
Open space, foreshores and conservation are receiving significant funding, including for Yalukit Willam Nature Reserve Wetlands, Wangara Road remediation and Banksia Reserve sports ground reconstruction. We are also investing in our activity centres over the next four years, ensuring they remain robust and thriving precincts for employment, shopping and social connection.
Another highlight of the budget is the continued growth of our fully funded Home Care Package service, with an expected increase of 40% in the number of clients during 2025-26. We are also welcoming a $6.8 million increase in funding to support the expansion of our highly regarded aged care services.
Rates
The budget will be largely funded by rates, with a 0% rate increase in 2025-26. Bayside receives more than 58% of our revenue from rates.
Bayside Mayor, Cr Hanna El Mouallem said Council is responding to community needs by prioritising fiscal responsibility and efficiency.
"This is a new Council that is determined to deliver services and programs while acknowledging the current cost of living pressures on our community," said Cr El Mouallem.
"We will be looking at identifying new revenue sources, rescoping and rescheduling capital projects, as well as identifying savings from the operational budget."
Although Council has frozen the increase in rate revenue for general rates and the municipal charge for 2025-26, each ratepayer's rate notice may increase or decrease compared to the prior year due to a number of contributing factors including the movement in a property's valuation relative to others, an increase of 1.8% in the waste service charge driven by a 28% increase of the State Government Landfill Levy, and the Emergency Services and Volunteer Fund which Council collects on behalf of the State Government.
Despite this, our long-term prudent financial management means we are well positioned to continue to provide the services and infrastructure that directly impacts our community.
Budget Highlights
- Yalukit Willam Nature Reserve Gateway Building $4.4 million
- Yalukit Willam Nature Reserve Wetlands $4.7 million
- Wangara Road Remediation $3.2 million
- Billilla Mansion and precinct restoration $1.8 million
- Hampton foreshore precinct: all access improvements $2.8 million
