Council approves 2025–29 budget

07 Jul 2025

Merri-bek City Council has adopted the 2025-29 Budget.

The budget delivers on major new community infrastructure, shaped by community-generated ideas and consultation, and delivery of essential services, said Merri-bek City Council Mayor Helen Davidson.

“The adopted budget reflects investment in what matters most, including libraries, safer streets, community infrastructure, tree planting, parks and open spaces – all while maintaining a responsible and sustainable financial position,” Cr Davidson said.   

The 2025-26 budget includes a capital works program of $93.9 million to build new and improve existing community infrastructure and maintain community assets, such as:

  • $60 million for the new Coburg library and piazza - now in the planning and design phase, supporting the vision for a thriving activity centre
  • Continuing the $30.7 million upgrade works on several early years facilities over the next 5 years – including Dawson Street childcare, Hadfield early years centre and Brunswick Early Years Hub
  • $23.2 million for roads and carparks renewal and maintenance – improving safety and accessibility
  • $11.9 million on organised sports assets in 2025-26, including Allard Park redevelopment, lighting at Dunstan Reserve, McDonald Reserve hockey pitch and De Chene Reserve gender-inclusive changerooms
  • $16.4 million for improving parks, open space and streetscapes – investing in playgrounds, greener spaces and welcoming spaces for all ages

  • $9.1 million for delivering on footpaths, bike paths and transport infrastructure – improving safety and connectivity

Council is continuing to invest in environmental sustainability, including tree planting, stormwater upgrades and providing grants to support low-income households to install insulation and solar panels at home, as well as many other initiatives and programs. We have continued and expanded the highly regarded outdoor help program for seniors as well as continuing other programs such as the homelessness assertive outreach program.

This year’s budget included inviting the community to suggest their ideas for the Community Budget Ideas initiative. This is the fourth year Council has run Community Budget Ideas, and it has continued to grow in popularity and ingenuity among the community. We have allocated $313,573 (higher than the $250,000 amount originally set aside) to 3 fantastic ideas suggested by community members, with more than 1,000 people voting for their favourites:

  • $160,000 for improvements to Gilpin Park’s dog-exercise area
  • $100,000 for ‘Lizards with Bikes’, a revitalisation of the Coburg Velodrome underpass
  • $53,573 towards youth-led initiatives to combat gender-based violence

Council has also funded the top-voted Community Budget Ideas project, Native understorey planting, for $300,000 over the next 4 years as a strategic priority.

“I’m so thankful to the members of our community who shared the projects and initiatives they’re eager to see, as well as everyone who voted for their top priorities,” Cr Davidson said.

“It’s very exciting that Council has chosen to fund so many of their great ideas.”

To read the budget, visit merri-bek.vic.gov.au/budget