What the council is working on
Recent deliveries, what's underway now, and what's planned next — drawn from the council's own plans, budgets and project pages. We report what the council has publicly said it's doing; every item links to its source.
The council's stated direction
Hobsons Bay's direction is set by its Community Vision and the Council Plan 2025–29, adopted in December 2025 alongside the Health, Wellbeing and Safety Plan 2025–29 and updated long-term financial and asset plans. The updated vision reads: 'By 2040, we are a safe, sustainable and healthy community, supported by an accountable, efficient and transparent Council.' Each year's actions are funded through the annual budget.
The Council Plan has four themes: 'Healthy community', 'Sustainable environment', 'Liveable city' and 'Accountable Council'. Each theme has goals with measurable actions, delivered through four annual action plans. In September 2026 the council also endorsed 'Planning for Hobsons Bay 2026–51', its overarching strategic planning framework.
The 2026–27 budget, which the council calls 'back to basics', plans $59.7 million of capital works focused on renewing and upgrading existing assets, including $19.2 million for roads. Named projects include the Kororoit Creek Trail in Altona and Altona North, the Laverton Swim and Fitness Centre heating and air conditioning upgrade, the Edwards Reserve and Bond Reserve sportsgrounds redevelopment and the Mary Street Reserve upgrade.
- Hobsons Bay City Council — Council Plan sets community's priorities for next four years (17 Dec 2025) · Dec 2025
- Hobsons Bay City Council — Council Plan and strategic documents · Sep 2026
- Hobsons Bay City Council — Annual Budget 2026–27 (PDF) · 2026–27
- Hobsons Bay City Council — Council meeting recap, September 2026 · Sep 2026
Underway now
Hobsons Bay Wetlands Centre
Stage 1 opened Sep 2026; stage 2 not yet fully fundedStage 1 delivered landscaping, trails, boardwalks and a conservation area at the site. The council has committed $5 million to stage 2, a fully operational centre, and says it is seeking a further $5 million.
Source: Hobsons Bay City Council — Big step forward as first Wetlands Centre works complete
Planned / committed
Kororoit Creek shared trail, stages 4 and 5
Contract awarded Sep 2026; construction expected to start before the end of 2026Completes a significant missing connection on the Kororoit Creek shared trail, strengthening connections to the Federation Trail for people walking and cycling.
Source: Hobsons Bay City Council — Council meeting recap, September 2026
Williamstown Swimming and Life Saving Club redevelopment
Procurement Aug 2026 to Mar 2027; construction May 2027 to Nov 2028 (council estimate)The state's planning assessment approved the architectural and landscape designs. The council is finishing the detailed design and tender documents before a two-stage procurement.
Source: Hobsons Bay City Council — Williamstown Swimming and Life Saving Club redevelopment update
Cherry Lake stormwater harvesting
Detailed design next; construction expected in 2027–28A plant at the southern end of Cherry Lake, Altona, to treat about 48 million litres of stormwater for watering nearby sports grounds. Funded by Greater Western Water ($1.45m), the Victorian Government ($950,000) and the council ($500,000).
Source: Hobsons Bay City Council — Cherry Lake stormwater harvesting project secures $2.4m funding