Merri-bek City Council adopts 2026–2030 budget

25 Jun 2026

Merri-bek City Council’s budget for 2026-2030 reflects its commitment to the provision of quality and sustainable services and infrastructure for the Merri-bek community. 

Council adopted the budget at a special Council Meeting on Monday 22 June.  

Informed by several rounds of community consultation, the budget sets out how Council will fund the delivery of the Council Plan and core services while ensuring the organisation remains financially sustainable.  

Some of the highlights of the budget in 2026-2030 include:  

  • A capital works program in 2026-2027 of $89.1 million, to improve community infrastructure and maintain community assets 
  • Commencing construction of the $12.5 million Brunswick Early Years Hub 
  • Complete detailed design for the $60 million Coburg library and piazza, working towards construction commencing in mid-2028 
  • Roads and carparks renewal and maintenance ($11.2 million) 
  • Improvement to parks, open space and streetscapes ($10.6 million) 
  • Footpaths, bicycle paths and transport infrastructure ($5.8 million) 
  • Continuing to invest in our services, facilities and civic activities in Merri-bek. 

 Council committed $400,000 to fund six ideas in 2026-2027 as part of Council’s popular Community Budget Ideas program, these are:  

  •  Additional tree plantation of $60,000 across the municipality (top voted) 
  • Cool playgrounds: safe kids (additional shade for our parks) $80,000 
  • Building risky playground elements at Harmony Park, Coburg North ($145,000) 
  • Providing free band programs for youth ($5,000) 
  • Building five additional picnic tables at parks ($50,000) 
  • Providing free rehearsal, art production and group space subsidies ($60,000). 

 Merri-bek City Council Mayor Nat Abboud said Council had aligned the budget to continue delivering on the Council Plan 2025-2029 while remaining in a responsible, sustainable financial position both now and into future. 

 “I, along with all Councillors, look forward to working with the community to deliver these valued services and exciting projects over the coming year and beyond for the benefit of our community,” she said.  
 
For more information about the budget, visit Council Budget 2026 - 2030 | Conversations Merri-bek