Major city‑shaping projects at South Melbourne Town Hall, South Melbourne Market, St Kilda Pier, Shrine to Sea, and delivery of the Elwood Masterplan, including upgrades to six childcare centres.
About the Draft Budget
In June 2025, Council adopted the Plan for Port Phillip 2025–2035, which includes the annual budget. This plan outlines Council’s priorities over the next four years, with a long-term vision extending to 2035.
It brings together key strategies—such as the Community Vision, Health and Wellbeing Plan, Financial Plans, and Asset Plan—into a single roadmap to guide Council’s work and improve outcomes for our community. The Plan is reviewed and updated each year to ensure it remains responsive to changing needs and challenges.
We asked for your ideas and have drafted a budget and plan for the year based on what we heard.
How have we developed the budget?
From November 2025 until February 2026, we asked for ideas for the year ahead to inform the second year of the Plan.
We heard from 92 people who shared over 100 ideas. We learned that our community values:
- Bringing people together and helping neighbours connect
- Making local places nicer and easier to live in
- Feeling safe when out and about
- Supporting health, wellbeing and staying active
- Supporting local businesses and jobs
Read more about what we asked and what we heard from our community.
We drafted an updated Plan and Budget for the year ahead based on your ideas. We’re now seeking feedback on that draft to make sure we’ve got it right.
What big things are planned for the year ahead?
Key investments include:
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Significant investment in play spaces, including major upgrades to St Kilda Adventure Playground, St Kilda Botanical Gardens, and Brunett Gray Gardens, alongside renewals across the city.
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New and continued investment in community services infrastructure and open space, particularly in Fishermans Bend, including the Sandridge Recreation Precinct.
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Increased renewal of public space and foreshore assets, including park infrastructure, litter bins, and the Beacon Cove Boat Landing upgrade.
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Expanded funding for waste services, including transition to a four‑stream model and fortnightly garbage collection.
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Upgrades to public toilets to improve safety and accessibility.
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Planning and transition to a new St Kilda Marina lease and essential asset renewals.
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Continued investment in affordable housing.
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Funding for master planning and strategic works in Ripponlea, Bay Street, Lakeside Ward open space, and updated planning controls in Balaclava.
