Draft 2023/24 budget for Bass Coast outlines rates increase, roads funding

A rate rise has been proposed as part of council’s next budget as it confirms its current financial position. Read what we know.

Rates are set to increase in Bass Coast.

Bass Coast residents could experience a rate increase next financial year.

The council decided at Wednesday’s council meeting to release the draft budget for community consultation.

It includes a rate hike, increases to other fees and charges and millions of dollars dedicated to fixing council roads.

The proposed rate hike is 3.5 per cent, which council said was in line with the state government’s mandated rate cap.

“This is less than the 4.0 per cent recommended by the Essential Services Commission. The rates cap increase is significantly less than the current inflation rate of 7.8 per cent per annum and this will be the second successive year that the rate cap has been significantly lower than the inflation rate,” the budget read.

“This reflects the ongoing focus on the identification of opportunities for productivity improvements and financial efficiencies.”

This increase would see council collect $56.762m in rates revenue for the 2023-24 year.

Councillor Clare Le Serve said the rate increase was “less than what was recommended” and it “reflected ongoing cost pressures”.

The draft budget also outlined the waste charge would also rise, with residents to cop an increase of just under $60 per year.

Cr Le Serve also commented on this charge and said “several factors” had contributed to the increase.

The documents reveal Council’s deficit is currently $60,000 with the two main factors the slowing down of the property market and inflation pressures.

Council has assured residents it will get out of this deficit and return to a surplus as the impacts “cycle out”.

It has dedicated $15.2m to improving roads and paths across Bass Coast, including Berrys Beach Rd, Ventnor ($1.1m), Wonthaggi-Inverloch Overland Trail ($500,000), and Corinella Pathway ($300,000).

The old Wonthaggi Secondary College site also looks like it could receive an investment.

“Old Wonthaggi Secondary College Site Redevelopment” is listed to receive $280,000 of council’s cash in the draft budget.

Council’s last update on its website says they were carrying out feasibility studies set to be complete by July this year.

Council is yet to comment on the specifics of what this budget allocation is going towards.

The budget also stated council would use some of its working capital to pay for everyday expenses.

It expects it will have around $6.477m left by June 2027, which is less than the $24.316m they have now.

Despite this, council said it would still be in a “good” financial position.

The Victorian Auditor-General’s Office has also said the council was in a “low-risk category”.