Our Budget is our 12-month roadmap of how we’ll invest in making Glen Eira a great place to live, work and visit by continuing to provide highly valued, financially sustainable services.

It reflects a rate cap of three per cent — the maximum percentage increase allowed for the average rate collection — set by the Minister for Local Government.

We heard

• you want us to make thoughtful, financially sustainable decisions
• that you want us to prioritise delivering high-value services — like waste and recycling, libraries, and programs
• In a tight financial climate, you prefer we maintain and renew existing infrastructure rather than build new
• that you highly value nature and open spaces and that we need to prioritise spending on parks, green spaces, and tree planting — so our City stays green, clean, and liveable.

With your feedback in mind, our next years budget includes investment in roads, buildings, footpaths, activity centres, libraries, events, waste collection, and sustainability programs.

We will spend:

• $13 million on renewal and upgrades to roads, footpaths, drainage systems and community facilities.
• $4.7 million on facilities e.g., Mackie Road Reserve Pavilion
• over $3 million to electrify GESAC and on tree planting
• nearly $700,000 for pedestrian and school safety and sustainable transport upgrades.

Our draft Revenue and Rating Plan explains how we’ll raise revenue through rates and other sources of income.

This revenue pays for the cost of services and facilities, as well as builds and maintains assets and infrastructure, for our community.

The plan explains how rates — our most significant revenue source — work, (accounts for 66 % of our annual income). Other revenue streams include government grants, user fees, contributions (e.g. open space contributions) and interest from investments.

We heard

• when it comes to long-term sustainability you think we should raise funds to continue to deliver the services you rely on
• you told us it was important that we continue to seek funds through sponsorships and partnerships with other levels of government and the private sector, where possible
• you suggested we revisit our fees and charges for services and activities—such as venue hire and permits—and consider increasing them to support the delivery of other programs and services.

With your feedback in mind we will:

• keep rate increases fair and sustainable so our core services are funded properly
• keep user fees and charges reflective of the cost to deliver services that are the most important to our community
• manage our resources carefully and responsibly by investing in key projects that our community needs the most
• wherever possible look for other funding sources such as government grants and partnerships to help top up funding to deliver services and projects.

Our first-ever Biodiversity Plan is all about protecting and improving Glen Eira’s natural environment over the next four years. It outlines the actions Council will take to protect and enhance local ecosystems, wildlife, and natural habitats.

We heard that

• local biodiversity is a top priority and you want us to look after our green spaces
• that urban farming and community gardening programs are a great way to bring people together and support local biodiversity
• that protecting native plants and animals is more important than ever
• that you value our leafy streets and open green spaces that help keep our City cool, boost wellbeing, and play a big part in tackling climate change.

With your feedback in mind, we will

• improve community awareness and connection to local biodiversity through education, activities and workshops
• ensure our tree and planting programs include a diverse variety of species that support local biodiversity
• support our community better manage waste, reduce litter and pollution so our open spaces and waterways are havens to plants and wildlife
• improve and expand our open spaces and ecosystems to assist the return of significant plant and wildlife species

Our first-ever Strategic Property Plan outlines our long-term framework to guide how we manage and make the most of the $1.1 billion of land and buildings in our care.

As our population grows and changes, it’s more important than ever that our community spaces are well utilised, fit for purpose, and ready to support both current and future needs.

The Plan looks to balance community needs, financial sustainability while also looking at ways to reinvest in other important community infrastructure.

We heard:

• that libraries, community centres, parks, sportsgrounds, recreational facilities (swimming pools and gyms) are important to you
• we would be financially smart to invest in community assets in the longer-term
• lots of ideas around mixed community and commercial use of our spaces
• that we should focus on maintaining our buildings and facilities to the same standards as now — rather than upgrade or replace them
• we should reconsider our fees and charges for services and activities.

With your feedback in mind, we will:

• provide a framework to guide decision making about future planning and uses of our land and buildings
• use data and insights on changing community needs and demographics on future uses of our assets so they are well used and align with how people live, work and socialise
• focus on multi-use and flexible spaces to ensure our facilities cater to changing community needs.
• reinvest funding generated by these facilities back into new and improved community spaces.