Back to basics

No-frills budget sticks to core services and maintenance in uncertain times

BASS Coast Shire Council has endorsed its Draft Budget 2026-27 for community consultation at its April Council Meeting, inviting residents, businesses and stakeholders to review and give feedback on how Council invests in services, infrastructure and local priorities.

The draft budget outlines a balanced approach to delivering day-to-day services, maintaining essential infrastructure and planning for the future, while responding to ongoing economic pressures.

Bass Coast Mayor Rochelle Halstead said the budget had been carefully developed in a challenging environment, with a strong focus on both community needs and long-term financial sustainability.

“We know households are feeling cost of living pressures, and Council is working within a tightly constrained environment, including the State Government rate cap. Despite this, we are continuing to deliver for our community as best as we can,” Cr Halstead said.

“We have maintained our commitment to our community grants scheme and have introduced a pensioner waste rebate initiative in addition to our existing hardship policies.”

The draft budget includes a total investment of $124.6 million, comprising an $88.6 million operating budget and a $30.3 million capital works program, all within a 2.75 per cent rate increase.

The council is inviting the community to review the draft documents and provide feedback during the consultation period.

Cr Halstead said community feedback helps the council understand what matters most and can influence priorities and timing of some projects.

“At the same time, we want to be upfront that there are some things this consultation cannot change. Much of the budget is shaped by long-term planning, existing commitments, legislative requirements and external factors outside of council’s control.”

The council is continuing to monitor key cost pressures, including fuel, construction and supply chains, and the budget remains a dynamic document that may require adjustment before it is finalised.​

Cr Brett Tessari:
"Balancing the books is never easy, especially when you get nine councillors coming in putting forward their wish list.  Given the uncertainty in the world right now it's really hard to put out something that you can guarantee is going to be what we actually sign off on it but I encourage every community member to have your say on the budget and the concerns that you might have."

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Cr Jan Thompson:
"There are many items we wish we could have included in this budget. Instead, we have had to defer some projects. However, we have been able to offer those on a low income a discount on their waste charge.  With the uncertainty we face with world issues and reduced funding and grants from both the state and federal governments, we have had to be responsible, fair but firm in delivering the best outcome for our community."

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Cr Mat Morgan:
"How on earth local governments can create accurate budgets in the context of an illegal war and madmen blocking shipping channels I don't know … I reiterate my calls for the state and federal governments to stop starving local governments of funding while allowing one in three big corporations to pay no tax and wasting $400 billion on imaginary nuclear submarines."


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Cr Jon Temby:
"Our council officers have done a great job in helping to minimise the impact of the Middle East War on our budget. We're taking a cautious and evidence-based approach but have had to delay or cut back on many of our projects and programs."



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Cr Tim O'Brien:
"We are feeling the pinch with some of these projects that involve capital works like the sporting precinct at Phillip Island. Maybe the funding for those can be found within sleeping, dormant and unused assets. There are a number of these within Cowes and right around the shire that we're sitting on and I would hope that part of that notion about a budget being flexible involves looking at those."


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Cr Ron Bauer:
"To alleviate the financial pressures from our residents, the day that we look at additional creative income streams is fast approaching. We are the state's leading eco tourism destination. There are many ways that the holiday makers and tourists can contribute to our bottom line so that we remain the state's eco tourism jewel in the proud. These additional revenue streams need to be explored now."

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Cr Meg Edwards:
"We need to be laser-focused on maintaining our existing core infrastructure to support those who produce in our region, farmers, businesses that create employment, and thereby income that fuels our economy, making it an attractive place to invest and live. For non-core interests, we need to exit.  It's simply not in our remit to be doing anything other than the basics well."


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Cr Rochelle Halstead:
"I am really proud that Council unanimously supported the 80% down to 65% differential rate for our farmers. We know from what we're seeing in the media that they are struggling, especially around the fuel crisis. And just a reminder that they are the ones who feed us. You know, they need to be supported at this time, as, you know, their machinery relies on diesel."

You can view the Draft Budget, Fees and Charges Register and Annual Action Plan items and make a submission via Engage Bass Coast.

Council will also host a series of online and in-person sessions where residents can ask questions and speak directly with council staff:

• Online session: Thursday, 23 April, 6.00pm to 7.30pm

• Wonthaggi Town Hall: Tuesday, 28 April, 5.00pm to 7.00pm

• Coronet Bay Community Centre: Wednesday, 29 April, 11.00am to 1.00pm

• Phillip Island Visitor Information Centre (Newhaven): Wednesday, 29 April, 2.00pm to 4.00pm

Submissions are open until 8 May 2026, with a hearing of budget submissions scheduled for 13 May. For more information on the draft budget or to make a submission, visit Engage Bass Coast.

Source: Bass Coast Shire Council media release