It reinforces our action on climate change, protecting the environment and embracing sustainability, as well as making Bayside a more inclusive and accessible place for all.
Bayside Mayor Cr Alex del Porto said the $155.6 million 2022/2023 budget supports the Council Plan and aligns with the aspirations of the community as articulated in the Bayside 2050 Community Vision and will go a long way in creating a better Bayside.
“This steadfast budget seeks to maintain and improve our services and infrastructure as well as deliver projects that will benefit our community,” Cr del Porto said.
“We must continue to look forward to make sure we are laying the foundation for a thriving and vibrant community with prudent financial management leading the way.”
Ready, set, deliver
In 2022/2023, we will focus on the provision of core infrastructure updates with an investment in the capital budget of $69.5 million including:
- $43.7 million on buildings
- $4.4 million on roads
- $2.8 million on footpaths and bicycle ways
- $4.8 million on drainage
- $4.6 million on parks, open space and streetscapes
- $2.7 million on foreshores and conservation.
Love Bayside: Don’t waste it
To continue our action on the Climate Emergency, this budget invests into key projects for our planet including: the continued implementation of Council’s Climate Emergency Action Plan ($100,000), Urban Forest Strategy Implementation ($508,000) and the commencement of Stage Three works at Elsternwick Park Nature Reserve: Wetlands ($545,000).
The 2022/2023 budget sees the waste management levy increase by 13.8% or $48 to $395.43. Increasing waste costs are passed directly onto ratepayers in accordance with Council’s policy of direct cost recovery. This increase reflects the current economic reality of surging costs for processing, transportation and disposal of waste.
We’re working hard to help Baysiders minimise these increases in the future by switching our bin collection schedule to weekly food and green waste and fortnightly general waste. We’re also making the investment to bring our bins in line with the State Government requirement to have a standardised bin system across Victoria by 2027.
Rates
The ambitious agenda delivered by this Budget will be funded by a rate increase of 1.75%. in line with the Victorian Government’s rate cap.
Council delivers a broad range of fundamental services to the community. In Bayside, 73% of Council’s income comes through rates with the remainder from fees, grants and subsidies.
Mayor Cr del Porto said rate capping puts pressure on Council to deliver an extensive range of infrastructure improvements and services.
“Council’s strong and effective financial management means that Bayside is relatively well placed to handle the impacts of rate capping in the short term,” Cr del Porto said.
The average Bayside ratepayer will see a $81.50 increase on their rates notice. Any ratepayer experiencing financial hardship can contact our Revenue Services Team on 9599 4444 to discuss their payment options.
Budget Highlights
The 2022/2023 budget delivers some legacy projects:
- Dendy Street Beach Pavilion construction $4.13 million
- Beaumaris Arts Studio $1.016 million
- Tulip Street Basketball Courts $6.3 million
Have your say
Have your say on how we’re investing in Bayside and delivering our community priorities now and into the future. The proposed Annual Budget is open for feedback until 17 May 2022.
