VIC · Melbourne — inner northern suburbs · Local council, made simple
Merri-bek City Council
A council in Melbourne's inner north, home to about 189,000 people. It covers Brunswick, Coburg, Pascoe Vale, Glenroy, Fawkner and neighbouring suburbs, and was called Moreland until 2022. 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, your waste charge, and when it's due.
2026–27: average general rate +2.75% (state cap); waste charge by bin size
Open →Budget & financesMerri-bek's financial indicators, each shown next to the Victorian median.
Average rate per property: $1,914 (Vic median $1,937)
Open →Crime & safetyMerri-bek's recorded offence rates, side by side with the Victorian rate.
7 of 11 offence rates below the Victorian rate
Open →Mayor & councillorsYour ward councillor, the Mayor, and how to contact them.
Mayor: Cr Nat Abboud (2025–26)
Open →Elections & votingWhen the next council election is, how Merri-bek'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 addresses.
Phone: (03) 9240 1111 (24 hours)
Open →City profileThe basics: how many people live here, how big the area is.
Population: 189,108 (ABS, June 2025)
Open →What's happening
5 updatesRecent items from Merri-bek City Council's public channels, in plain language.
- Waste
Some bin collections north of Bell Street affected by industrial action
The council says the Australian Services Union has told it that it intends to miss every fifth residential bin north of Bell Street as part of industrial action. Collections south of Bell Street are done by an external contractor and aren't affected.
What this means for you: If you live north of Bell Street and your bin isn't collected, leave it out: the council says it will collect it as soon as it can.
Source: Merri-bek City Council — News
- Have your say
Proposed special charge for the Central Coburg shopping precinct (submissions to 26 October)
The council intends to declare a special charge on commercial properties in the Central Coburg shopping precinct for 2027–2032, to fund the Central Coburg Business Association's marketing and business development. About $1.14 million would be levied over five years. Submissions close at 5pm on Monday 26 October 2026; the council plans to decide on 14 April 2027.
What this means for you: If you own or occupy a commercial property in the precinct, the notice lists the addresses and the amount for each value tier.
Source: Merri-bek City Council — News
- Policy
2026–2030 budget adopted
The council adopted its 4-year budget at a special meeting on 22 June 2026. It includes $89.1 million of capital works in 2026–27, the start of construction of the Brunswick Early Years Hub and detailed design of the Coburg library and piazza.
What this means for you: Your 2026–27 rates notice reflects this budget: the average general rate rises 2.75%, and the waste charge for four standard bins is $367.43. See the Rates & fees page.
Source: Merri-bek City Council — News
- Waste
Fortnightly rubbish collection for all homes from July 2027
The council voted to move to a municipality-wide fortnightly rubbish service from July 2027, with a 140-litre standard rubbish bin, paid extra collections, and new pensioner, larger-household and animal-fostering concessions.
What this means for you: Nothing changes yet for most homes. Before July 2027, check the council's project page for bin sizes, charges and concessions.
Source: Merri-bek City Council — News
- Election
Cr Helen Davidson elected Deputy Mayor
The councillors elected Cr Helen Davidson (Djirri-Djirri Ward) as Deputy Mayor for the rest of the 2025–26 term, at a special council meeting on 27 March 2026. Cr Nat Abboud remains Mayor.
What this means for you: The councillors choose the Mayor and Deputy Mayor. The next mayoral election is listed for 10 December 2026.
Source: Merri-bek City Council — 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 Merri-bek City Councilshow up under “What's happening” above as we find them, each linked to its official source.