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
Melbourne's direction is set by its M2050 Vision, 'Liveable Melbourne, growing stronger together', adopted by the council on 28 October 2025, and the Council Plan 2025–29, which sets out how the council will work towards it over this term. Each year the plan is funded through the annual budget.
The Council Plan has six strategic priorities and 23 outcomes. 'Governing for our future' is the overarching priority; the other five are healthy, safe, clean and connected communities; building a city for people; vibrant and creative Melbourne; leveraging our economic strengths; and living sustainably.
The 2026–27 budget is $804.8 million, with a $175.1 million capital works program. It includes $26.4 million for 13 Garden City park and open-space projects, $73.2 million for safety and cleaning, $2.8 million to finish and open the new Southbank Library, $3.5 million to finalise designs for a new North Melbourne Community Hub, and support for traders through the $35 million Queen Victoria Market precinct renewal.
Underway now
Garden City: 13 new or upgraded parks and open spaces
Funded in 2026–27More than $26 million in the 2026–27 budget for 13 projects, including the Chapman Street pocket park in North Melbourne (2,500 m² of new open space), completing the Miles and Dodds Street reserve expansion in Southbank, Stage Two of the $7.8 million University Square upgrade in Carlton, and $5.5 million towards new open space along the City Road Undercroft. The budget also plans up to 3,000 new trees.
New Southbank Library and North Melbourne Community Hub
2026–27$2.8 million to complete the fit-out and open the new Southbank Library, work to begin refurbishing the Boyd Community Hub, and $3.5 million to finalise designs for a new North Melbourne Community Hub.
Planned / committed
Food and garden organics for high-rise apartments
2026–27The 2026–27 budget introduces food and garden organics (FOGO) collection for high-rise apartment buildings. The council began the lime-green bin service in June 2021 and is rolling it out in stages.
New Climate and Environment Strategy
Draft early 2027; final mid-2027The council is developing a 10-year strategy that brings its climate and environment priorities together. Early consultation runs to 7 October 2026; a draft is due to go to the council in early 2027, with consultation in February–March 2027.
Source: Participate Melbourne — Climate and Environment Strategy