NSW · Southern Sydney — Botany Bay / St George · Local council, made simple
Bayside Council
A Southern Sydney council formed in 2016 from the former City of Botany Bay and City of Rockdale — around 185,900 people across suburbs from Rockdale and Brighton-Le-Sands to Botany and Arncliffe, along roughly 8km of Botany Bay foreshore. The LGA sits alongside Sydney Airport and Port Botany, so aircraft noise and freight movements are part of local life here. The council runs the local services you use every week — waste, roads, parks, development — and sets your rates. Here's the snapshot, then the stuff that affects your week.
Everyday essentials
The things people actually need from the council — fast.
Get to know your council
The basics, in one tap — open any card for key facts and a link to the official source.
This year's rate rise, how it compares across NSW, and why bills differ.
2025–26 rate peg: 6.1%
Open →Budget & financesHow financially healthy the council is, measured against official benchmarks.
Meets 8 of 9 OLG financial benchmarks
Open →Crime & safetyBayside's recorded crime rates, side by side with the NSW average.
All 12 major offences below the NSW rate
Open →Mayor & councillorsWho represents you, by ward — and where to read their official profiles.
Mayor: Ed McDougall (Labor)
Open →Elections & votingWhen the next council election is, and how voting works.
Next election: Sat 9 Sep 2028
Open →Contact & servicesHow to reach the council and report a problem.
Customer service: 1300 581 299 (24/7)
Open →City profileThe basics: how many people live here, how big the area is.
Population: ~185,900 (2024)
Open →What's happening
3 updatesRecent items from Bayside Council's public channels, in plain language.
- Development
Upgraded Tindale Reserve Park reopens in Carlton
The council officially reopened the upgraded Tindale Reserve Park in Carlton on 3 July 2026, with new play equipment, a handball court, netball ring and accessible pathways and furniture.
What this means for you: If you're in the Carlton area, the local park renewal is complete and open for use.
Source: Bayside Council — Upgrading Carlton's Tindale Reserve
- Have your say
Have your say: Draft Operational Plan & Budget 2026/27
Bayside Council placed its Draft Operational Plan & Budget and Draft Fees & Charges for 2026–27 on public exhibition, with a community information session on 12 May 2026.
What this means for you: This is the one-year plan and budget that sets council services, projects and fees for the year ahead — the exhibition period was residents' chance to comment before it was adopted.
Source: Bayside Council — Have Your Say: Draft Operational Plan
- Policy
2026 waste calendars being distributed to households
Bayside residents were sent two 2026 calendars — one for regular bin collection days and one for kerbside clean-up dates — distributed between late November 2025 and late January 2026.
What this means for you: Check your letterbox or the council's Waste Services app for your 2026 bin day and clean-up schedule.
Source: Bayside Council — 2026 Bayside Waste Calendar Rollout
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