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
Merri-bek's direction is set by its Community Vision 2025–2035 and the Council Plan 2025–2029, which also serves as the municipal public health and wellbeing plan. Each year the council adopts an action plan and funds it through the budget; the 2026–27 action plan is the second year of the Council Plan.
The Council Plan has five themes: care for nature and climate resilience; healthy and inclusive communities; a beautiful and liveable city; a thriving economy and culture; and an engaging and responsible council.
The 4-year budget 2026–2030, adopted on 22 June 2026, totals $260.9 million for 2026–27, with $89.1 million of capital works. Highlights include starting construction of the $12.5 million Brunswick Early Years Hub, detailed design of the $60 million Coburg library and piazza, $11.2 million for roads and car parks, $10.6 million for parks, open space and streetscapes, and $400,000 for six ideas voted on by residents.
Underway now
Brunswick Early Years Hub
Construction starts in 2026–27A $12.5 million early years hub in Brunswick. The adopted 2026–30 budget funds the start of construction. A special council meeting on 22 April 2026 considered a confidential contract matter for the hub.
Planned / committed
Coburg Library and Piazza
Detailed design in 2026–27; construction from mid-2028A new four-storey library connected to a public piazza in central Coburg, valued by the council at $60 million. A design team led by Durbach Block Jaggers won the design competition (announced 13 March 2026). The 2026–27 budget funds detailed design, working towards construction starting in mid-2028, and projects $15 million of borrowing for the library in 2028–29.
Source: Merri-bek City Council — Winning design announced for Coburg's new library and piazza
Fortnightly rubbish collection for all homes
From July 2027The council decided in June 2026 to move to fortnightly rubbish collection across the municipality, after a trial in parts of Hadfield, Brunswick and Brunswick West. Changes made after consultation include a larger 140-litre standard rubbish bin, paid extra collections and new concessions. The council estimates the change will save ratepayers at least $16 million over ten years compared with weekly collection.
Source: Merri-bek City Council — Transition to fortnightly waste collection
Community budget ideas
Funded in 2026–27$400,000 for six ideas residents put forward and voted on, including extra tree planting ($60,000), more shade in playgrounds ($80,000), risky play elements at Harmony Park ($145,000) and five new picnic tables ($50,000).
Source: Merri-bek City Council — Council adopts 2026–2030 budget