Bass Coast Shire Council has adopted its 2026-27 Budget at the June Council Meeting, setting a balanced course that continues to deliver essential services, maintain and renew important community assets, and invest in the future of Bass Coast.
The Budget has been carefully developed in a challenging economic environment, balancing growing community expectations with the realities of rising costs and ongoing financial pressures facing councils across Victoria.
Bass Coast Mayor, Cr Brett Tessari, said the Budget strikes an important balance between delivering for today’s community while planning responsibly for the future.
“This Budget is about getting the balance right. We need to continue delivering the services people rely on every day, invest in the infrastructure our communities use, and make sure we’re looking after the assets we already have for future generations,” Cr Tessari said.
“We know many households are continuing to feel cost of living pressures and Council is operating within a tightly constrained environment, including the State Government’s rate cap. Despite these challenges, we’ve worked hard to deliver a Budget that is responsible, practical and focused on community priorities.”
The adopted Budget totals $123.7 million and includes an $88.6 million operating budget, a $29.5 million Capital Works Program and $5.6 million in debt servicing, all within a 2.75 per cent average general rate increase, in line with the State Government rate cap.
Cr Tessari said maintaining and renewing existing infrastructure remains a key focus.
“It’s easy to focus on new projects, but a significant part of this Budget is about protecting and maintaining the things we already have. Looking after our roads, buildings, sporting facilities and public spaces is one of the most important things we can do to ensure they remain safe, functional and available for everyone to enjoy.”
The Budget includes $17.7 million to improve and maintain Bass Coast’s road network, including drainage upgrades, rural and urban road renewals and ongoing maintenance works.
There is also $12.1 million allocated to leisure and recreation facilities, including continued investment in the Thompson Reserve Pavilion upgrade in Inverloch, improvements to Wonthaggi sporting fields, detailed design work for the Wonthaggi Aquatics and Leisure Centre redevelopment, playspace renewals, commence the planning scheme amendment to transfer the Phillip Island Sporting Precinct land into a public zone and ongoing maintenance of recreation facilities.
Council will invest $13.5 million in community facilities, including continued delivery of the Cowes Streetscape project, upgrades to the Inverloch Community Hub and renewal works at the Old Wonthaggi Post Office.
The Budget also includes $2.2 million for tracks, trails and footpaths, supporting projects such as the Surf Parade pathway and Cowes to Ventnor Trail design, along with $22.2 million to deliver waste services and improve waste facilities across Bass Coast.
The budget also includes dedicated funding for environmental and community initiatives such as the Strategic assessment of the significant environmental features of Bass Coast, Climate Change Action Plan, and the Disability Action Plan.
Cr Tessari said Council has also continued its support for the community through initiatives such as maintaining the Community Grants Program, introducing a Pensioner Waste Rebate and continuing existing hardship policies.
“This Budget isn’t just about projects and numbers. It’s about supporting our community and making sure Bass Coast remains a great place to live, work and visit.”
Like many councils across Victoria, Bass Coast continues to face increasing financial pressures, including rising construction costs, inflation, fuel price volatility and ongoing cost shifting from other levels of government.
“We have to remain financially responsible while continuing to advocate strongly for fairer funding for regional communities like ours,” Cr Tessari said.
“We know councils are being asked to do more every year, but we don’t always receive the funding needed to match those expectations. That’s why strong advocacy to State and Federal governments remains critical.”
The Budget has been developed alongside Council’s Long Term Financial Plan to ensure Bass Coast remains financially sustainable while progressing major projects and advocacy priorities and delivering essential services as well as maintain and invest in important community infrastructure.
The Budget can be found on Council’s website Budget | Bass Coast Shire
