VIC · Melbourne — bayside suburbs (south-east) · Local council, made simple
Bayside City Council
A council on Port Phillip Bay in Melbourne's south-east, home to about 107,000 people. It stretches from Brighton through Hampton, Sandringham and Black Rock to Beaumaris. The council runs your bins, local roads and footpaths, parks and foreshore, libraries and planning, and sets your rates. Here's the snapshot, followed by what 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 your bill is worked out, and when it's due.
2026–27: average rates +2.75% (state cap)
Open →Budget & financesBayside's financial indicators, each shown next to the Victorian median.
Average rate per property: $2,086 (Vic median $1,937)
Open →Crime & safetyBayside's recorded offence rates, side by side with the Victorian rate.
10 of 11 offence rates below the Victorian rate
Open →Mayor & councillorsYour ward councillor, the Mayor, and how to contact them.
Mayor: Cr Debbie Taylor-Haynes (2025–26)
Open →Elections & votingWhen the next council election is, how Bayside's wards vote, and the 2024 results.
Next election: Sat 28 Oct 2028 (by post)
Open →Contact & servicesHow to reach the council: phone, counter hours and address.
Phone: (03) 9599 4444
Open →City profileThe basics: how many people live here, how big the area is.
Population: 107,164 (ABS, June 2025)
Open →What's happening
4 updatesRecent items from Bayside City Council's public channels, in plain language.
- Development
New wetlands open at Yalukit Willam Nature Reserve
The council has opened the new wetlands at Yalukit Willam Nature Reserve in Brighton, on the former Elsternwick Park Golf Course. The site has 2.5 km of accessible paths, and the wetlands add stormwater storage to the flood retarding basin.
What this means for you: A new public space to walk and explore in Brighton. The council's news item has the details.
Source: Bayside City Council — News
- Policy
Community Local Law 2026 adopted, in force from 1 November 2026
The council has adopted an updated Community Local Law. It covers nature strips and trees, property maintenance, waste and recycling, construction, animals, caravan, boat and trailer storage, and parking. It takes effect on 1 November 2026.
What this means for you: If you're building, keeping a caravan or boat on your property, or putting things on the nature strip, check the new rules on the council's page before 1 November 2026.
Source: Bayside City Council — News
- Policy
Updated Footpath Trading Policy adopted
The September Council meeting adopted an updated Footpath Trading Policy. It allows seasonal and provisional permits, simplifies the seating rules, and covers queuing areas and accessibility.
What this means for you: Businesses that use the footpath for tables, seating or A-frames can apply under the new permit options.
Source: Bayside City Council — News
- Election
Cr Debbie Taylor-Haynes elected Mayor for 2025–26
At the Annual Meeting of Council on 5 November 2025, the councillors elected Cr Debbie Taylor-Haynes (Beckett Ward) as Mayor and Cr Andrew Hockley (Ivison Ward) as Deputy Mayor.
What this means for you: The councillors choose the Mayor each year. The next Annual Meeting is on 10 November 2026.
Source: Bayside City Council — News
Email alerts aren't switched on yet
We haven't started sending email, so we're not taking addresses for now. New items from Bayside City Councilshow up under “What's happening” above as we find them, each linked to its official source.