Listen to our podcast of councillors explaining their decisions
Council has released the annual budget for 25/26 and the council plan for the next four years for community engagement before making a final decision on Monday 23 June.
Highlights of the engagement include the Have Your Say portal, community pop-up feedback opportunities, and a council meeting specifically for submissions on 13 May.
If you feel a sense of déjà vu, you are not alone. The budget is an annual ritual, and the council plan is a feature of each new council.
Later, highlights are listed in the wards that TWiSK focuses on. It presents a plan of steady improvement, but as my grandma used to say, “nothing to write home about.” Have a read yourself and let councillors know what you think.
Majority of Councillors Voted for a 3.0 Percent Rate Increase
The proposed rate increase is 3.0 percent, the maximum allowed under the current state government rate cap, backed by a 13.1 percent increase in waste charges.
This is the first significant divide of this council. The increase was supported by six councillors, opposed by two, with one abstaining.
FOR: Crs Makin, Halliday, Cunsolo, Crawford, Buckingham, and Thomann
AGAINST: Crs Hardy and Mears
ABSTAINED: Cr Jay
Cr Beti Jay was online remotely during the meeting and abstained on all the budget votes.
TWiSK understands that Beti has been absent from some councillor briefings and sessions in recent times. (TWiSK has contacted Cr Jay for comment).
This is the second significant divide and we are sure more will come to light.
TWiSK Podcast: Councillors Explain Their Decisions
TWiSK has created a special St Kilda Talks podcast featuring the council debate on the budget. In 36 minutes, you will hear directly from councillors (except Cr Jay). It’s presented in full and unedited.
Council media release on the budget and council plan
Council Plan Highlights for the Next Four Years
The new ward structure means that each area has dedicated councillors. Here we present the local area highlights in the Council’s own words, focusing on TWiSK’s own patch.
St Kilda and St Kilda West
Includes the suburbs of St Kilda West (east of Cowderoy Street), most of St Kilda, and a small part of Elwood. Includes portions of the municipal wards of St Kilda, Albert Park, Lakeside, Elwood, Balaclava, and Alma.
The focus in St Kilda and St Kilda West for the next four years includes:
– Redevelopment of the Eildon Road Children’s Centre
– Redevelopment of the St Kilda Adventure Playground
– Construction of the St Kilda Pier Landside Works to complement the recently upgraded St Kilda Pier.
St Kilda East and Balaclava
Includes the suburbs of Balaclava and part of St Kilda East and St Kilda. It includes the municipal wards of Alma and Balaclava.
The focus in St Kilda and Balaclava for the next four years includes:
– Construction of the Alma Park East Multi-Purpose Court
– Development of the recently purchased properties to convert to open space in Lansdowne Road, Pakington Street, and Kalymna Grove.
– St Kilda Library upgrade (uplift to furniture only).
Elwood and Ripponlea
Includes the suburbs of Ripponlea and most of Elwood. They encompass the municipal wards of Elwood, Balaclava, and St Kilda.
The focus in Elwood and Ripponlea for the next four years includes:
– Broadway Bridge superstructure design and construction
– Delivery of the Elwood Masterplan
– Development of a masterplan for Ripponlea and delivery of the upgrade of the Glen Eira Road precinct, including Burnett Gray Gardens, Glen Eira Avenue, and surroundings.
St Kilda Road
Includes parts of the suburbs of Melbourne, Windsor, Albert Park, and South Melbourne. It includes the municipal wards of South Melbourne and Lakeside.
The focus in St Kilda Road for the next four years includes:
– Delivery of the Queens Lane Pedestrian Improvements
– Completion of the Park Street Bike Link
– Masterplanning for future open space development in Lakeside.
Source: Draft Plan for Port Phillip (including Budget) 2025-35, page 191 onwards.
