What the council is working on
Recent deliveries, what's underway now, and what's planned next — drawn from the council's own plans, budgets and project pages. We report what the council has publicly said it's doing; every item links to its source.
The council's stated direction
Bayside's direction is set by the Bayside 2050 Community Vision and the Council Plan 2025–2029. The council adopted the Plan in June 2025, and each year it is carried out through an Annual Action Plan and the annual budget.
The Council Plan has three goals. 'Our People': a safe, inclusive and active community. 'Our Place': balanced growth, well-maintained infrastructure, and protected open space and natural environment. 'Our Promise': transparent governance, sound financial management and customer service. The council reports progress against the Plan every quarter.
The 2026–27 budget plans $55.5 million of capital works. That includes $20.4m on buildings and $17.2m on parks, open space and streetscapes. Named projects include the Dendy Park Athletics Pavilion renewal, works at Billilla Mansion, and the start of construction on the Yalukit Willam Nature Reserve Gateway Building.
Underway now
Community Local Law 2026
Adopted Sep 2026; in force from 1 Nov 2026An updated local law covering nature strips and trees, property maintenance, waste, business operations, construction, animals and parking. The council says the consultation received more than 1,300 submissions.
Source: Bayside City Council — Bayside adopts updated Community Local Law
Billilla Mansion restoration
Civil and roof works funded in 2026–27Restoration of Billilla Mansion and its precinct in Brighton is a Council Plan deliverable. The 2026–27 budget funds essential civil and roof works.
Integrated Transport Strategy works
2025–26 works done; more planned for 2026–27In 2025–26 the council installed raised pedestrian crossings in Brighton and a crossing near Hampton East School. For 2026–27 it plans raised crossings in Cheltenham, Brighton and near Sandringham Primary School, lower speed limits in some streets, and Bay Trail upgrades at Black Rock.
Source: Bayside City Council — Better crossings, safer streets and greener travel
Planned / committed
Yalukit Willam Nature Reserve Gateway Building
Construction to begin in 2026–27The 2026–27 budget includes the start of construction on the reserve's Gateway Building, with funding support from the Australian Government. It is part of the Yalukit Willam masterplan in the Council Plan.
Recently delivered
Yalukit Willam Nature Reserve wetlands
Opened 22 Sep 2026New wetlands at the former Elsternwick Park Golf Course in Brighton now cover more than 40% of the site. They include 2.5 km of accessible paths, 1,900 new trees and 200,000 plants, plus extra stormwater storage in the flood retarding basin. Funding came from the Australian Government ($5.5m) and Melbourne Water ($1.1m).
Source: Bayside City Council — New wetlands officially open at Yalukit Willam Nature Reserve