VIC · Melbourne — north-east · Local council, made simple
Banyule City Council
A municipality in Melbourne's north-east, home to about 133,000 people — from Ivanhoe, Heidelberg and Rosanna to Macleod, Watsonia, Greensborough and Montmorency. The council runs your bins, local roads and footpaths, parks, leisure centres and planning, and sets your rates. Here's the snapshot, followed by what affects your week.
Everyday essentials
The things people actually need from the council — fast.
Get to know your council
The basics, in one tap — open any card for key facts and a link to the official source.
This year's rate rise, how your bill is worked out, and when it's due.
2026–27: average general rate +2.75% (state cap)
Open →Budget & financesThe council's financial indicators, each shown next to the Victorian median.
Average rate per property: $1,787 (Vic median $1,937)
Open →Crime & safetyBanyule's recorded offence rates, side by side with the Victorian rate.
9 of 11 offence rates below the Victorian rate
Open →Mayor & councillorsYour ward councillor, the Mayor, and how to contact them.
Mayor: Cr Alison Champion (since Nov 2025)
Open →Elections & votingWhen the next council election is, the Beale Ward by-election, and the 2024 results.
Next election: Sat 28 Oct 2028 (by post)
Open →Contact & servicesHow to reach the council: phone, office hours and address.
Phone: 9490 4222
Open →City profileThe basics: how many people live here, how big the area is.
Population: 132,770 (ABS, June 2025)
Open →What's happening
5 updatesRecent items from Banyule City Council's public channels, in plain language.
- Policy
Council asks state election candidates for housing and planning commitments
As part of its 'Banyule's Ready' campaign ahead of the November 2026 state election, the council is asking candidates to commit to consulting local government on housing reforms, community voice in planning decisions, realistic assessment timeframes, more social housing and mandatory affordable housing contributions in significant developments.
What this means for you: The council says it will publish candidates' commitments on its campaign pages.
Source: Banyule City Council — News
- Election
Beale Ward by-election: voting closes 2 October
The VEC is holding a postal by-election for Beale Ward after Councillor Elizabeth Nealy resigned. Ballot packs were mailed from 14 September. Completed ballots must be in the mail or at the election office (1 Joyce Avenue, Greensborough) by 6pm on Friday 2 October 2026. Seven candidates are standing.
What this means for you: If you were enrolled in Beale Ward at 4pm on 22 July 2026, voting is compulsory. Lost your ballot pack? Call the VEC on 131 832.
Source: Victorian Electoral Commission — Beale Ward by-election
- Development
28 streets resurfaced this winter
The council says it resurfaced 28 streets over winter and will spend $1.7 million resurfacing roads and $3 million replacing footpaths this financial year. It is also trialling a recycled asphalt surface in Haig Street, Heidelberg Heights.
What this means for you: Large potholes on council roads are repaired within 10 working days of inspection; report one on the council's online form.
Source: Banyule City Council — News
- Election
Beale Ward councillor Elizabeth Nealy resigns
Elizabeth Nealy, councillor for Beale Ward since 2020 and Mayor in 2021–22 and 2024–25, resigned with effect from 3 July 2026. The council has 8 councillors until a new Beale Ward councillor is elected.
What this means for you: Beale Ward residents can contact the Mayor or any other councillor, or the council on 9490 4222, until the by-election result is declared.
Source: Banyule City Council — News
- Policy
2026–27 budget adopted: average rates up 2.75%
The council adopted its Budget 2026–2030 on 22 June 2026. The average general rate rises by 2.75%, in line with the state cap. The budget plans $71.5 million of capital works in 2026–27 and projects an underlying operating deficit of $8.1 million.
What this means for you: Rates notices go out in July or August; the first instalment is due on 30 September.
Source: Banyule City Council — Ordinary Council meeting minutes, 22 June 2026
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We haven't started sending email, so we're not taking addresses for now. New items from Banyule City Councilshow up under “What's happening” above as we find them, each linked to its official source.