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BASS Coast Shire Council’s draft 2025-26 budget reveals total income of $123 million, including $61.6 million in rate revenue and $18.9 million in waste charges.
The increase in rate revenue includes a 0.7% growth in the number of properties in Bass Coast combined with an average rate increase of 3% in line with the rate cap as mandated by the State Government.
The 2025-26 capital works program includes $3.9 million on sporting pavilions, $3.5 million on the Inverloch to Wonthaggi Trail and $3 million on the commencement of the Cowes Streetscape Master Plan.
The increase in rate revenue includes a 0.7% growth in the number of properties in Bass Coast combined with an average rate increase of 3% in line with the rate cap as mandated by the State Government.
The 2025-26 capital works program includes $3.9 million on sporting pavilions, $3.5 million on the Inverloch to Wonthaggi Trail and $3 million on the commencement of the Cowes Streetscape Master Plan.
2025-26 Budget Snapshot
$123.1 million total gross budget
$87.5 million operating budget
$31.4 million capital works program
$4.2 million debt servicing
Rates and charges
$61.6 million. Rate revenue
$18.9 million waste charges
$81.5 million. total rates and charges
0.7% Growth in number of properties
3% average general rate increase
BUDGET HIGHLIGHTS
$16.3 million for eisure and recreational facilities
$123.1 million total gross budget
$87.5 million operating budget
$31.4 million capital works program
$4.2 million debt servicing
Rates and charges
$61.6 million. Rate revenue
$18.9 million waste charges
$81.5 million. total rates and charges
0.7% Growth in number of properties
3% average general rate increase
BUDGET HIGHLIGHTS
$16.3 million for eisure and recreational facilities
- Bass Recreation Reserve netball pavilion, $2 million
- Wonthaggi netball pavilion, $1.9 million
- Art, cultural and heritage services at Wonthaggi Union Community Arts Centre and Berninneit, $2.5 million
- Playspace renewal and upgrade program, $340,000
Landfill rehabilitation
The budget also includes $5.1 million towards rehabilitation of the Wonthaggi landfill. The landfill operated from the 1920s until 2000, on a site adjoining the current transfer station.
The Council is required by the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) to complete final capping in compliance with current regulations by 13 February 2026.
Following a competitive tender process, the council has accepted a tender from EcoProjects Australia to rehabilitate the site for just under $7 million. The company will use a geocomposite capping system, the first of its kind in Australia, to ensure long-term site stability and minimise environmental risks.
The project is scheduled to commence in April/May 2025 and is expected to be completed before the EPA deadline.
The Council is required by the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) to complete final capping in compliance with current regulations by 13 February 2026.
Following a competitive tender process, the council has accepted a tender from EcoProjects Australia to rehabilitate the site for just under $7 million. The company will use a geocomposite capping system, the first of its kind in Australia, to ensure long-term site stability and minimise environmental risks.
The project is scheduled to commence in April/May 2025 and is expected to be completed before the EPA deadline.
$10.8 million for the road network
$4.3 million for tracks, trails and footpaths
$14.6 million to upgrade community facilities
$22.7 million for waste services
Public submissions on the Bass Coast Shire Council draft budget are open until May 14.
Information sessions will be held at Cowes, April 23, noon-2pm, Inverloch, April 29, 10am-noon, and Corinella, May 8, 2-4pm.
- Grantville-Glen Alvie road improvements, $1.4 million
- Investment in urban roads renewal, $2 million
- Urban roads and drainage improvement program, $650,000
$4.3 million for tracks, trails and footpaths
- Inverloch to Wonthaggi trail, $3.5 million
- Cowes to Ventnor Trail Design, $220,000
- Pathway Gaps and Renewal Program, $575,000
$14.6 million to upgrade community facilities
- Inverloch community hub renewal program, $1 million
- Old Wonthaggi Post Office renewal, $1.1 million
- Wonthaggi Union Community Arts Centre building renewal, $900,000
- Powlett River Pedestrian bridge renewal, $650,000
$22.7 million for waste services
- Delivery and management of waste services, $16 million
- Landfill rehabilitation, $5.1 million
- Waste facility improvements, $1.6 million
Public submissions on the Bass Coast Shire Council draft budget are open until May 14.
Information sessions will be held at Cowes, April 23, noon-2pm, Inverloch, April 29, 10am-noon, and Corinella, May 8, 2-4pm.
My major concern in the Bass Coast is the outstanding infrastructure issues.
To quote the BCSC “The unmade roads and inadequate stormwater drainage creates issues for the communities such as dust, mud, potholes, flooding, disconnected pedestrian networks and dynamic traffic safety.”
I’ve looked at the current budget and forward estimates and I am very disappointed that these issues are not being addressed by our Council.
The budgets are extremely conservative. For example from the 2022/23 budget we were looking at net assets for 2025/26 of $866 millions. And in this year’s budget for 2025/26 forecasts net assets of $1.301 billion. This is ridiculous.
We must address the infrastructure issues by gearing or balance sheet.