Bayside Council: We’re saving thousands through merger

BAYSIDE Council bosses have hit back at critics, saying they are saving thousands of dollars on events since the merger.

Bill Saravinovski says the merger is enabling the council to make huge savings

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BAYSIDE Council bosses have hit back at critics, saying they are saving thousands of dollars on events since the merger.

Bayside Council has come under fire in recent weeks following some residents’ claims that it is ignoring the former Botany council area, which merged with Rockdale to form Bayside.

But mayor Bill Saravinovski said the newly formed council was producing huge savings — often hidden to ratepayers. “We have our own in-house events department, who plan and operate all council events, saving us from having to pay for contractors,” Cr Saravinovski said, referring to Botany’s former practices.

Eastlakes Reserve is one of the facilities the council has upgraded

“I am proud to host community events but equally proud to see new community infrastructure changing the look and feel of our valuable playing spaces and putting a smile on people’s faces.

“As a parent I know how important it is for kids to experience fun and exercise outdoors. Our new playgrounds are second to none. They are simply the best.”

He said the council had saved $110,000 on Botany’s annual Seniors’ Garden Party and $71,000 on the Taste of Mascot festival. The savings were passed on to residents through projects such as playgrounds in Eastlakes and Wolli Creek.