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.
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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
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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. |
$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.