Advocacy Priorities

2026 State Election Advocacy Priorities

Endorsed by Council September 2025

Duplicate and upgrade the Upfield Rail line and extend (through Roxburgh Park) and electrify to Wallan
Prioritise the delivery of the Bus Reform project in Melbourne’s North specifically:
- More frequent and improved bus services across Merri-bek, particularly through east-west connections
- More weeknight and Sunday services on buses in Merri-bek
Invest in accessible tram stops along the Sydney Road Route 19 Tram Line
- Improve safety along Murray Road and around the Pentridge and Coburg High School areas for pedestrians and cyclists, particularly children travelling to school.
- Improve safety on Moreland Road by delivering safer speed limits and Pedestrian Operated Signals (near Queen Street)
- Fund a feasibility study and designs for safe and accessible active travel options over Coburg's Bell Street bridge at the Nicholson Street intersection to address pedestrian and cyclist safety issues, particularly for Coburg High School students
- Plan and deliver Pedestrian Operated Signals on Elizabeth Street, Coburg North (near Goff Street)
- "Speed on Green" traffic lights and red turning arrows on the most dangerous Sydney Road intersections north of Bell St in Coburg North
Invest, plan and deliver critical missing links in our walking and riding network, including:
- Upfield shared path: from northern end of Sages Road to the M80 Trail, including a pedestrian crossing at Box Forest Road.
- Craigieburn Shared Path from Oak Park to Glenroy, linking with the completed Glenroy Station section
Invest in the $60 million development of a new Coburg Library and Piazza in central Coburg.
Invest $6 million to expand Brunswick Baths Gym to allow more community members to access the facilities, improving health and wellbeing, and prepare for the future electrification of the Baths.
- Transfer the title of the Ballerrt Mooroop site to the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation.
- Invest in the development of inclusive multi-purpose community facilities, at Ballerrt Mooroop, Glenroy
Invest $2 million to provide an All-Abilities Playground at Sewell Reserve, Glenroy
Invest in upgrades of sporting facilities across Merri-bek to support increasing participation in competition sport and outdoor recreation activities and the health, wellbeing and social benefits sport and physical activity provides. Projects include:
- Shore Reserve Oval, Pascoe Vale South
- Raeburn Reserve, Pascoe Vale
- Wallace Reserve, Glenroy
- JP Fawkner Reserve East, Oak Park
- Balfe Park, Brunswick East
Invest in basketball courts in Merri-bek to support one of Merri-bek’s fastest growing sports.
Secure strong sustainable built environment outcomes by:
- Reinstating Clause 15 and local ESD policies for low-rise residential development or embed robust, measurable sustainability requirements directly within the deemed-to-comply pathway
- Finish stage 2 of the ESD Roadmap
- Integrate consistent and robust ESD requirements in Activity Centre Structure Plans
Investment to deliver improvements to our creeks in Merri-bek, providing community connections to nature and opportunities to increase biodiversity, manage and utilse stormwater and plant canopy trees for a cooler, greener future.

Projects include:
- Moonee Ponds Creek Conservation Plan
- Westbreen Creek Conservation Plan
- Fawkner Merri Creek Parklands Plan
Investment and support to facilitate the creation of more businesses and more jobs in Merri-bek by:
- Collaborating with Council to identify vacant and underutilized government owned land and infrastructure that could deliver local economic and community benefits, particularly the current Dawson Street Police site.
- Investing in supporting infrastructure businesses need to operate easily and efficiently.
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
- Family Violence
- Mental Health
- Raise the Rate
- Social, Affordable and Public Housing
- People experiencing homelessness
- Gambling reform
- Refugee and asylum seekers
- Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex, Queer, Asexual and Aromantic communities (LGBTIQA+)
(advocacy via peak bodies and advocacy partners and noting some are federal matters, some are state matters)

Priority Infrastructure Projects

Endorsed by Council February 2024

Our ask: Investment of $4 million for a scoping report for the upgrade and duplication of the Upfield Rail Corridor and the extension and electrification of the Upfield rail line to Wallan

Our aim: Resolve critical constraints on train services in the Merri-bek, Hume, Whittlesea and Mitchell municipalities to contribute to unlocking the potential of Melbourne’s North.

The Upfield rail corridor services the growing populations of Merri-bek and southern Hume and is the gateway to Melbourne’s booming northern region in Hume, Whittlesea and Mitchell Shire. The Northern Growth Corridor is projected to accommodate 30% of Melbourne’s future growth over the coming decades. This region will ultimately be home to more than 1.5million people.

Key rail investments are needed now to resolve critical constraints on train services in the Merri-bek, Hume, Whittlesea and Mitchell municipalities to contribute to unlocking the potential of Melbourne’s North, including:
- Duplicating and upgrading the Upfield rail line between Gowrie and Upfield stations to improve train frequency, accessibility, passenger experience and station amenity.
- Re-configuring the City Loop to separate the Upfield and Craigieburn lines to remove ongoing constraints to improved capacity, frequency and reliability for passengers along both lines.
- Extending and electrifying the Upfield line to Wallan with new stations to support the rapidly occurring residential, commercial and industrial development in the region.
Duplication, upgrade and City Loop reconfiguration
The Upfield rail line has one of the least frequent peak-period services in Melbourne’s rail network, with train services running every 15-20 minutes during peak periods, and every 20-30 minutes outside peak.

Single track service between Gowrie and Upfield stations and the Upfield and Craigieburn train lines sharing City Loop tracks creates significant bottlenecks and constraints to improved capacity, frequency and reliability for passengers.

Upfield line stations Fawkner, Merlynston, Gowrie and Batman have been identified as having the most infrequent train services in the State with the four northern train services beyond Coburg among the lowest rated for commuter experiences, including Batman (rated 4.45 out of 10), Merlynston (rated 4.05 out of 10) and Fawkner (rated 3.88 out of 10); with Gowrie (3.64 out of 10) ranking the lowest for train services in Victoria.

Public Transport Victoria (PTV) has previously projected the Upfield line to experience the largest yearly rise in passengers of all city trains between 2021 and 2031, with patronage set to grow by 5.3% a year over the decade.

Duplicating the track between Gowrie and Upfield stations will remove significant bottlenecks and constraints for the length of Upfield line, allowing for improved, capacity, frequency and reliability.

The Upfield and Craigieburn train lines continuing to share the same City Loop tracks has been identified by Infrastructure Victoria as an ongoing constraint to improved capacity, frequency and reliability for passengers along both lines. A coordinated and timely reconfiguration of the City Loop could also allow for the line to be extended further north to Wallan.

The completion of Melbourne Metro 1 will remove Sunbury line trains from the current loop, enabling more pathways to become available at North Melbourne Railway Station. Securing these spots for northern group trains could contribute to improved frequency on the Upfield line.

Extension and electrification to Wallan
In Melbourne’s booming northern region, rates of growth in Hume and Mitchell Shire are substantially higher than what State Government have projected - Mitchell Shire’s population is projected to double almost every five years for at least the next 20 years and ultimately will reach over 230,000. Hume is expected to grow to 381,039 people by 2041.

The growth communities in Mitchell and Hume including Wallan, Beveridge, Lockerbie, Donnybrook and the future Cloverton Metropolitan Activity Centre (MAC), are currently serviced by diesel V/line services only as electric metropolitan train services terminate at Craigieburn – this cuts passenger capacity by more than half, as a V/Line train carries about 40% of the passengers of a comparable electric metropolitan train.

The V/line services were expected to reach capacity by 2030, but with higher than forecast growth occurring now, coupled with the State Government’s fast-tracking of Precinct Structure Planning, reaching capacity is likely to be closer to 2025/2026.

Without an electrified Upfield extension to Wallan the communities of Melbourne’s rapidly growing North will become increasingly reliant on the Hume Freeway and Sydney Road, putting more cars on these already congested roads.

Jobs closer to homes
Infrastructure Victoria’s modelling has suggested that upgrading the Upfield corridor, including duplicating and electrifying the line so that it can run through to the Roxburgh Park and Craigieburn areas, can “encourage greater development and investment along the corridor, attracting more suburban jobs closer to people’s homes”.

Merri-bek is home to over 51,064 jobs, with the majority of these jobs located either side of the Upfield line and Sydney Road. Connecting the 94,500 residents from Roxburgh Park and Craigieburn to the Upfield corridor, along with residents from the burgeoning suburbs of Lockerbie, Donnybrook, Beveridge and Wallan, could create a vibrant and job-rich Sydney Road corridor, providing direct (and more sustainable) access for residents to jobs and education in northern metropolitan Melbourne, a greater pool of workers for businesses in Brunswick and Coburg, and the potential for a significant uplift in retail and hospitality demand along the strip.

Greater connectivity through Melbourne’s northern corridor will also support improved access to other major commercial and industrial precincts including Merrifield, the future Beveridge Intermodal Freight Terminal, and the future Cloverton MAC. The residential development occurring in Mitchell Shire in particular is very unlikely to provide sufficient local jobs for the size of the community and efficient, accessible commuter rail services will be vital to ensure that residents of these communities have equitable access to employment opportunities.
Our ask: Investment towards the $60 million development of a new Coburg Library and Piazza in central Coburg.

Our aim: Deliver a library that will be a place of connection, cultural expression and life-long learning. The adjacent piazza will welcome all to gather, play and rest. Together, the library and piazza will embody Coburg’s unique identity and form the heart of the precinct.

Merri-bek’s Coburg Library is the busiest and most central of Merri-bek’s five libraries.

Merri-bek and Coburg are forecast to experience a 29% and 28% population increase by 2041 respectively. This increase in population will increase demand on the Coburg Library, which will need to accommodate the needs of both the current and future community.

The Coburg Library opened in 1983 in a space that was once a supermarket and is now over 40 years old. With a cultural shift in the role and function of libraries as public spaces over this time, and the increasing demand for library services in the heart of Coburg, the existing building does not have the space or specific facilities to meet demand.

A new fit-for purpose library will create new spaces, services and experiences for the growing Coburg community and be a key part of the revitalisation of Coburg. Alongside the library, a new piazza will act as the main meeting and social place for Coburg, including well maintained public spaces that provide a variety of opportunities for refuge, play and connection to nature.

Merri-bek City Council is ready to progress the redevelopment of a new library and piazza as part of Coburg’s revitalisation.
- Construction is planned to start in 2028 with delivery by 2030.
- The new Coburg Library and Piazza is estimated to cost $60 million; Council will look to partner with other levels of government to make this catalysing project a reality.
The Coburg Conversation – engaging the community

Community engagement conducted in 2023 to shape Coburg’s revitalisation demonstrated that there was strong demand for a new public library that better meets the needs and aspirations of the community.

Key themes included providing a third place which welcomes the community, expanded collections and facilities, including distinct and flexible spaces and creating connections to outdoor spaces, such as courtyards or rooftop gardens.

Libraries improve health and wellbeing

It is widely recognised that public libraries improve the health and wellbeing of individuals and the community. Library services have a positive impact by providing access to physical collections, meeting spaces, technology and the internet, or more recent programs targeted at holistic social, physical, and mental health and wellbeing.

Research commissioned by the State Library of Victoria and Public Libraries Victoria in 2023 found the positive impacts of public libraries on communities outweigh the costs by double and that Victorian public libraries generate a net annual benefit of $234.7 million in health and wellbeing benefits.

Coburg revitalisation

The Coburg Library redevelopment, alongside a new civic space, is a key part of the revitalisation of Central Coburg, rebuilding Coburg’s local economy, and supporting its community.

Council is developing a masterplan to lead the revitalisation of Coburg and maximise community outcomes including providing housing (including social and affordable housing) that meets the needs of our community, an expanded public space network and integrated ecological systems to improve climate resilience, water management and biodiversity.
Our ask: Investment from the including from Housing Australia programs, the Urban Precincts and Partnerships Program and the Housing Support Program towards the development of social and affordable housing in Central Coburg.

Our aim: Create affordable housing in Central Coburg within a walk of shops, public transport, work, schools and childcare.

Australia is facing a housing crisis; it has fewer dwellings per 1,000 people than the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) average.

Housing stock is not keeping up with our growing population and many renters and first-home buyers are experiencing rising house prices and worsening affordability.

Merri-bek alone needs between 7,000 and 10,500 new affordable homes by 2036. While the number of homes in Merri-bek has increased by 25% since 2001, the rate of increase in homes in Coburg has been lower than the municipality at 17%.

As affordability worsens, renters are suffering high levels of housing stress, paying more than 30% of their household income for housing costs – and this is particularly high in Coburg. The median weekly rent in Coburg has risen more than twice the rate of inflation from $200 to $500 since 2003. For private renters on low incomes (less than $800 per week), 75% are in housing stress.

Merri-bek also needs Homes Victoria to deliver a minimum of 1,000 new social homes in Merri-bek by 2036 – currently public or community housing makes up just 3% of homes in Merri-bek, of which very few are in Coburg.

Council owns 45,000 square metres of land in central Coburg between Bell St and Munro and Harding Streets. While much of it is currently used as carparks, it has the potential to be home to a diverse range of housing. However, Council cannot deliver this alone and will require partnerships with other levels of Government and housing providers to make this a reality.

Central Coburg is ideal for all types of households on low income or in need of subsidised housing. It has excellent train, tram and bus links, a range of fresh food and grocery outlets, schools and leisure facilities.

Council’s community engagement on the revitalisation of Central Coburg asked locals: “When thinking about new housing that will be provided in future in the heart of Coburg, what do you think is most important?” 61% said they wished to see affordable and social housing for people that is available to people on low incomes or with support needs.

New housing in the heart of Coburg could bring a range of benefits including:
- creating a stronger sense of vibrancy and liveliness
- enhancing safety through the overlooking of public spaces
- bringing more customers for local businesses
- providing much needed new homes for the many people in Merri-bek who need them
Our ask: Investment of $2 million to provide an All Abilities Playground at Sewell Reserve, Glenroy.

Our aim: Provide an accessible and inclusive play space where children of all abilities can experience fun and challenging play alongside their friends and family members.

Across Australia, around 18% of the population, or 4.4 million people, live with disability. Disability exists in many forms, such as physical, intellectual, neurological, and sensory disabilities, as well as other genetic and neurodivergent conditions including autism, dyslexia and attention-deficit disorder.

An accessible playground that provides a mixture of accessible features and equipment that caters to a wide range of abilities can increase creativity, facilitate active lifestyles, promote health and wellbeing, and build social connections and cohesion.

Importantly, accessible playgrounds encourage children with disabilities to participate in community life and they promote integrated play between disabled and non-disabled children. Integrated play is important because children can learn from each other, and it can challenge stereotypes, myths and stigma that exist in the community about disability.

Accessible playgrounds have many things in common such as swings, sand pits and slides. However, an accessible playground can include a range of different features that make the playground accessible to children with different disabilities. These can include things like:
- Wider spaces and ramps to give access to wheelchairs and other mobility devices.
- Sensory play equipment such as the Little Tikes Braille Panel or Beat Blocks.
- Swings designed to accommodate larger children.
- Wheelchair-accessible trampolines, sandpits and swings.
- Modified slides with ramps for additional support and modified climbing frames for blind/partially sighted children.
- Soft surfaces, appropriate luminance and colour contrasts, textured surfaces to explore with touch, auditory features to make sounds and noises
- Cosy nooks and quieter zones
Sewell Reserve
Sewell Reserve in Glenroy is home to a range of community facilities including a play space, sporting oval and pavilion, netball courts, a skate park, outdoor gym equipment, a shelter, circuit paths and open space.

Sewell Reserve can provide appropriate access and parking facilities for people to travel from other suburbs to an inclusive and accessible play space. All Abilities Playgrounds attract families from areas outside their local government area and can lead to a boost in economic and social activity in the area and an increase in public safety.

Merri-bek City Council is investing $837,000 in the renewal of the existing play space in 2024/2025. Community consultation is already underway to collect ideas from the community ahead of a draft concept plan in early 2024.

With additional funding, there is an opportunity to expand the project to include an ‘all abilities’ space.
Our ask: Investment towards the development of inclusive multi-purpose community facilities, at Ballerrt Mooroop, Glenroy.

Our aim: Create community infrastructure at Ballerrt Mooroop for use by Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung, local First Nations and non-indigenous communities in the cities of Merri-bek and Hume, providing services to meet local needs that increase connection to culture, capacity building, education, employment, economic development, arts, health, and social emotional wellbeing outcomes.

Ballerrt Mooroop, located on Hilton Street in Glenroy, holds significant cultural and historical value for the local First Nations community. It is home to a spiritual healing tree and sacred ceremonial grounds.

In 2021 the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population of Merri-bek and Hume was almost 3,000. From 2016 to 2021, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population increased by 30% in these two municipalities, where the average annual population change over the period was 5.4%.

Nearly half of the First Nations people in Merri-bek and Hume are under the age of 25. It is expected that in the coming decades, this community will grow not only numerically but also proportionately in the region.

Existing Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations in Merri-bek and Hume provide services for Elders and an ageing population. With the large proportion of the First Nations population under 25, there is a gap in delivery of services, supports and programs locally.

It is important to provide a local culturally safe and inclusive space for First Peoples’ to come together to feel socially and culturally connected to community. Ballerrt Mooroop can provide opportunity for self-determination with community-guided future service provision based on local needs that increase connection to culture, capacity building, education, employment, economic development, arts, health, and social emotional wellbeing outcomes. Ballerrt Mooroop can also provide opportunities to embrace reconciliation through social cohesion and building relationships within the local community.

The 2.42-hectare site was formerly the Ballerrt Mooroop College, the Victorian prep to year 12 college of Koorie Education. Following the college’s closure in December 2012, there was a strong desire from the local First Nations community and other community members, to retain the land for a future community hub.

Merri-bek City Council has held a peppercorn lease for Ballerrt Mooroop with the Department of Education since August 2013 and subleases the land to the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Cultural Aboriginal Heritage Corporation.

Both Merri-bek Council, Ballerrt Mooroop stakeholders and the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation are working towards securing the land for the First Nations community in Merri-bek and Hume into the future.
There is a strong opportunity for State and Federal Government to demonstrate commitment to self-determination, reconciliation and reparations by enabling the development of Ballerrt Mooroop into a place that meets the needs of Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung, local First Nations and non-indigenous communities in the cities of Merri-bek and Hume.
Our ask: Investment of $2 million to plant more trees in Merri-bek.

Our aim: Create a greener and healthier Melbourne north and mitigate the negative effects of climate change.

Today, just over half of the world’s population lives in urban areas, and this is predicted to rise to just over two-thirds by 2050. This is also true of Melbourne with a population of eight million people projected for 2051.

Merri-bek City Council recognises we’re facing an uncertain climate future and have declared a Climate Emergency. Council’s Urban Forest Strategy 2017-2027 aims to protect and enhance Merri-bek’s natural assets on public and private land, including street trees, significant trees, areas of conservation value and habitat corridors.

Changes in urban development, a growing population and climate change – including increasing urban heat – leave Melbourne’s greenery vulnerable and could severely compromise the benefits derived from urban nature like cleaner air and water, reduced heat and habitat for wildlife.
Urban forest refers to all the trees and other vegetation in public and private spaces. It includes street and park trees, front and backyard vegetation, grasslands, shrubs, wetlands, nature strips, balcony plants, and green roofs and walls.

In 2017, Merri-bek’s Urban Forest Strategy 2017-2027 recognised that Merri-bek’s tree canopy cover was in decline, with only around 14% tree canopy cover compared to 17.3% tree canopy cover in neighbouring Darebin and 18.5% in Yarra, making Merri-bek one of the most vulnerable municipalities in Victoria.

Council has committed $6.51 million over 3 years from 2024/25, which will see around 8,800 trees planted, established and maintained through to 2029. As an inner-city Council, trees are planted in a variety of spaces including vacant nature strips, in parks, and hard-stand planting in road reserves. Funding the maintenance of these trees over several years will greatly improve the survival rate of trees planted so that by 2050, these trees will add 0.9% extra tree canopy cover in Merri-bek – equivalent to 376 swimming pools.

Improving our urban forest through quality urban greening activities such as the planting of trees and vegetation has many benefits. Exposure to nature improves our community’s mental and physical wellbeing, and provides opportunities to strengthen community bonds by providing spaces where people can congregate, connect and recreate.

Modelling carried out by Council in 2022 showed that by 2050 the benefits of 8,800 trees planted will total $22.75 million, with benefits in areas such as improved air quality, shading and temperature reduction, energy savings, increases in property value and storm water inception. This is a return of $2.04 for every dollar spent.

Additional investment from the Australian Government would allow Merri-bek to expand the tree planting program and move toward maximising tree planting on public land.
Our ask: Investment towards the redevelopment of Coburg Leisure Centre.

Our aim: Redevelop Coburg Leisure Centre as a major level facility to continue to provide a diverse product mix at our aquatic and leisure facilities that meet the needs of existing and future residents in Coburg and surrounds.

Coburg Leisure Centre was opened in 1993 and over the past 30 years has provided aquatic and dry health and wellness facilities to the Coburg community and surrounds.

Merri-bek and Coburg are forecast to experience a 29% and 28% population increase by 2041 respectively. This will increase demand on the Coburg Leisure Centre, which will need to accommodate the needs of both the current and future community.

Merri-bek is home to four aquatic and leisure centres and two outdoor pools. The redevelopment of a major level facility at Coburg will include a range of aquatic and dry health and wellness facilities that complements each of Council’s other aquatic and leisure centres.

The future Coburg Leisure Centre will also need to cater for the secondary catchment of Brunswick, Brunswick East and Brunswick West due to the limited options to expand Brunswick Baths. Brunswick’s suburbs are forecast to grow by 34% by 2041 to be home to 77,959 people.

An expanded Coburg Leisure Centre will meet the contemporary aquatic and leisure facility trends to increase the provision of programs to address the key markets of:
- Recreation, leisure and adventure
- Fitness and training
- Therapy and wellness
- Education
Our future aquatic and leisure facilities will provide services address current and future aquatic and leisure needs, as well as continue to meet the demands for recreational and lap swimmers.

Council aquatic and leisure facilities provide a range of values and benefits for communities including:

Health and fitness services allowing people to enjoy the benefits of physical activity.

The provision of safe and welcoming spaces, supporting social inclusion and a sense of connection for all members of the community.
- Opportunities to participate for recreation, competition or sport.
- Community development that contributes to the development of social capital, helping to create links in a community.
- Positive impacts on physical and mental wellbeing.
- Water safety, education and water confidence programs that can reduce the incidence of drownings in the community.
- Fostering community pride.
- Providing climate change relief in extreme weather events.
Our ask: Investment towards the refurbishment of Brunswick’s historic Gillon Oval Grandstand.

Our aim: Preserve the Gillon Oval Grandstand for future generations to use and ensure disability access and sustainable building best practice.

The historic Gillon Oval Grandstand, located in Brunswick Park, was built in 1925 and in 2025/26, this iconic building will celebrate its centenary.

While the facilities under the grandstand are in excellent condition and continue to be used for cricket and football, the top half of the grandstand is falling into disrepair.

A refurbishment of the Gillon Oval Grandstand will preserve this important community building for future generations to use, including sporting clubs and community. Refurbishment will also provide disability access and sustainable building best practice, ensuring the building’s performance is optimised and any negative impacts on the environment are minimised.

Brunswick Park was the first park in the Brunswick area created to meet the leisure needs of the community in 1907.
Football was first played at the Brunswick Park oval in 1908. The oval, and the Gillon Oval Grandstand, has long associations with several local sporting groups, forming part of the cultural heritage of the local community.

This precinct is now the home of the Brunswick Cricket Club, Brunswick Football Club, Brunswick Junior Football Club and Brunswick Netball Club. The precinct hosts over 1,045 male and female players who participate in cricket, AFL, and netball during both the winter and summer seasons.

The Gillon Oval Grandstand still provides the best viewing location around the sports ground and is used by spectators at both football and cricket matches. The unique building is also regularly used for film and music clips.

Gillon Oval has in recent years undergone a significant transformation following the redevelopment of the sports pavilion and the open space area. However, these redevelopment projects did not involve any works on the grandstand.

Renovations needed to preserve the Gillon Oval Grandstand include:
- Removal of wire access gates
- Sealing of roof rafters from birds
- Replacement of flooring
- Replacement of seating
Our ask: Investment in the upgrade of neighbourhood playgrounds across Merri-bek.

Our aim: Provide a diverse range of play spaces which are fun, inviting, challenging and cater to children and young people of all abilities and ages.

Merri-bek has more than 130 playgrounds throughout the municipality that offer a wide range of playground sizes, equipment and styles to cater to our diverse community.

Formal playgrounds provide important opportunities for play, providing the community with free and valuable activities and experiences that are often not available in the home. Playgrounds significantly contribute to children and young people’s development through physical and mental stimulation and help children’s understanding of the world expand.

Play spaces also contribute to the development of social connections in the community, as groups of families, friends and carers with children often chose a play space with picnic facilities for weekend gatherings and celebrations.

Providing spaces which encourage physical activity and social interaction are also vital in addressing some of the physical and mental health challenges people face today.

Merri-bek’s population is forecast to increase by 29% to 234,281 by 2041. The demands on Merri-bek’s open space and playgrounds will increase as the community grows. Council will need to continue investing in existing playgrounds; investment from governments will help Council continue to providing a diverse range of play spaces which are fun, inviting, challenging and cater to children and young people of all abilities and ages.

Council has identified playgrounds that need upgrading including:
- $185,000 for McKay Street Reserve, Coburg
- $600,000 for ATC Cook Reserve, Glenroy
- $320,000 for Wallace Reserve, Glenroy
- $245,000 for Hallam Reserve, Pascoe Vale
Our ask: Investment to upgrade sports-field lighting at multiple sites across Merri-bek.

Our aim: Support the health benefits of sports, sharing of community open space and reducing carbon emissions.

Over the past decade, participation rates in most outdoor recreation activities have risen, particularly in junior and women’s teams in competition sport, youth and young adults in social unstructured sport and middle and older adults in informal recreational activities like cycling, running, gym, swimming and dog walking.

Our open spaces and sportsgrounds serve as the primary venues for various organised community and formal sports activities. They also provide open space for informal and recreational sports.

Merri-bek’s population is forecast to increase by 29% to 234,281 by 2041. Coupled with strong sports participation rates and trends in the municipality, existing sport infrastructure in Merri-bek will not support future growth.

Providing well-lit sports grounds can encourage participation in sports and physical activity, reduce safety concerns and make sports grounds more accessible to the broader community.

Upgrading to energy-efficient lighting at sports fields is beneficial for both sporting clubs and the community. Upgraded lighting allows sports clubs to schedule more training sessions and spread training times into the evening. With greater flexibility to schedule training sessions, sports fields can be available at other days and times for community use.

LED lighting has multiple benefits including:
- More energy efficient than conventional lighting, saving up to 60% on energy bills and reduced carbon emissions.
- Requires minimal maintenance, so is a long-lasting asset to Council and community.
- Immediate brightness when turned on, unlike conventional lighting that needs time to warm up.
- Provides a fine bright white light on the entire field that can be positioned differently, resulting in minimum spillage into the nearby environment and wildlife.
Council has identified several sports fields in Merri-bek that would benefit from upgraded lighting. Investment from other levels of government would enable these projects to happen sooner.
- $750,000 for Charles Mutton Reserve, Fawkner
- $350,000 for Oak Park East Reserve, Oak Park
- $400,000 for Shore Reserve, Pascoe Vale South
- $400,000 for Dunstan Reserve, Brunswick West
- $1.5 million for Wallace Reserve, Glenroy

On this page:

2026 State Election Advocacy Priorities

Priority Infrastructure Projects

The Coburg Conversation – engaging the community

Libraries improve health and wellbeing

Coburg revitalisation