VIC · Melbourne — inner east · Local council, made simple
Boroondara City Council
A council in Melbourne's inner east, home to about 179,000 people. It covers Kew, Hawthorn, Camberwell, Balwyn, Canterbury, Surrey Hills, Ashburton and neighbouring suburbs. The council runs your bins, local roads and footpaths, parks, libraries 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: general rates +2.75% (state cap); waste charges up about 6.6%
Open →Budget & financesBoroondara's financial indicators, each shown next to the Victorian median.
Average rate per property: $2,253 (Vic median $1,937)
Open →Crime & safetyBoroondara'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 Wes Gault (2025–26)
Open →Elections & votingWhen the next council election is, how Boroondara's wards vote, and the 2024 results.
Next election: Sat 28 Oct 2028 (by post)
Open →Contact & servicesHow to reach the council: phone, counter hours and address.
Phone: (03) 9278 4444
Open →City profileThe basics: how many people live here, how big the area is.
Population: 178,601 (ABS, June 2025)
Open →What's happening
5 updatesRecent items from Boroondara City Council's public channels, in plain language.
- Development
Eastern Freeway closed both ways, 16–19 October
For North East Link works, the Eastern Freeway will be closed in both directions between Chandler Highway and Tram Road from 10 pm Friday 16 October to 5 am Monday 19 October 2026. Thompsons Road is also closed between Bulleen Road and the Bulleen Park and Ride. Delays of up to 90 minutes are expected at peak times.
What this means for you: If you drive to the city or the airport that weekend, plan another route, such as the Monash Freeway or the M80, and allow extra time.
Source: City of Boroondara — News
- Development
Kew Recreation Centre: structural steel complete
All structural steel for the new Kew Recreation Centre is installed and signed off, and the tower crane has been removed. Work on the pools, sports courts, foyer and gym areas is continuing.
What this means for you: The council expects construction to finish in May 2027 and the centre to reopen in July 2027.
Source: City of Boroondara — News
- Policy
2026–27 budget adopted
The council adopted its 2026–27 budget: about $290 million in operating spending and a $101.29 million capital works program. General rates rise by the state cap of 2.75%. The budget includes $14 million over four years for the Greenways Plan and $2.32 million for play space upgrades at Fordham Gardens, Mont Albert Park and Reservoir Reserve.
What this means for you: Your 2026–27 rates notice reflects this budget. See the Rates & fees page for the rate in the dollar, waste charges and due dates.
Source: City of Boroondara — News
- Waste
Council decides not to commit to a separate glass bin
On 15 December 2025 the councillors unanimously decided not to commit to a standalone kerbside glass bin, and to advocate for an expanded Container Deposit Scheme instead. The council says the bin would cost about $6.5 million to introduce and about $2.2 million a year to run.
What this means for you: Nothing changes for now: glass bottles and jars still go in your recycling bin.
Source: City of Boroondara — News
- Election
Cr Wes Gault elected Mayor for 2025–26
The councillors elected Cr Wes Gault (Glenferrie Ward) as Mayor of Boroondara for 2025–26, and Cr Shima Ibuki (Maling Ward) as Deputy Mayor, at the council meeting on 17 November 2025.
What this means for you: The councillors choose the Mayor each year. The next vote is expected in November 2026.
Source: City of Boroondara — News
Email alerts aren't switched on yet
We haven't started sending email, so we're not taking addresses for now. New items from Boroondara City Councilshow up under “What's happening” above as we find them, each linked to its official source.