A step closer to better funding for parks

06 Oct 2026

We’re updating the Merri-bek Planning Scheme to help us create and improve public parks across Merri-bek.

Amendment C235mbek aims to revise the levy rate that is used when land is subdivided by land developers. It is not a change in council rates for landowners.

The levy is a contribution paid when land is subdivided, so we can then do more for our city’s public open spaces. Last financial year, we received about 300 subdivision permit applications. We process these to prompt the payment of open space contributions by land developers.

Having a revised levy rate means we can do more to fund the city’s changing public open space needs, which come from land development and our changing population.

In the past, collected contributions from developers helped us acquire and improve land for new and improved public parks. Some examples include Bulleke-bek Park and Citadel Park in Glenroy. We continue to use collected contributions so more parks can be created. Amendment C235mbek will improve our ability to do this.

Amendment C235mbek is now on public exhibition. Find out more and make a written submission by 30 October: C235mbek for updated Public Open Space Contribution Rate.