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
Port Phillip's direction is set by the Plan for Port Phillip 2025–35: a four-year Council Plan with a 10-year horizon that also serves as the Community Vision, the health and wellbeing plan, the financial, asset and rating plans and the annual budget. The council adopted Year 2 of the Plan, with the 2026–27 budget, on 29 June 2026.
The Plan has six strategic directions: a healthy and connected community; an environmentally sustainable and resilient City; a safe and liveable City; a vibrant and thriving community; an engaged and empowered community; and a trusted and high-performing organisation. The Community Vision is 'A liveable and vibrant City that enhances community connection and wellbeing'.
The 2026–27 budget includes $123.1 million of capital works and initiatives: $50 million of building works (including the South Melbourne Town Hall restoration and $8.3 million for six children's centres), $26 million on parks, open space and streetscapes, and $20 million on essential infrastructure. The council says the budget includes $2.4 million in efficiency savings and a 3% general increase in fees and charges.
Underway now
South Melbourne Town Hall restoration
Restoration expected to finish late 2027; open to the public in 2028Seismic strengthening, a new slate roof, solar panels, a new 150-seat studio beside a refurbished 350-seat Main Hall, and conservation of the Clock Tower. The building will also be a home for the Australian National Academy of Music (ANAM). The council's December 2025 update expected the new studio annexe to be finished by November 2026.
Source: City of Port Phillip — South Melbourne Town Hall restoration update (9 Dec 2025)
Glass recycling and FOGO
Glass drop-off at the Resource Recovery Centre since Feb 2026; kerbside glass plannedThe council runs 80 communal glass and FOGO hubs and a glass drop-off at its Resource Recovery Centre. Its Waste and Recycling Strategy 2025–28 includes introducing a kerbside glass service and fortnightly garbage collection for houses and townhouses.
Planned / committed
Upgrades to six children's centres (Building Blocks Partnership)
Program to be completed in 2029A $34.5 million program with the Victorian Government to upgrade Eildon Road, Clarendon, The Avenue, Elwood, Lilian Cannam and North St Kilda children's centres and kindergartens. The council plans to invest over $18 million and the state $16.5 million; the council expects more than 60 new places across the six sites.
Pick My Park upgrades
Funding announced Feb 2026Six park projects funded with $250,000 each from the Victorian Government's Pick My Park program and at least matching council money: an extension of Pakington Street reserve in Balaclava, playspace upgrades at St Kilda Botanical Gardens, Clarke Reserve (Elwood) and Burnett Gray Gardens (Ripponlea), a new Alexandra Street green corridor in St Kilda East, and an off-leash dog park at Fennell Reserve, Port Melbourne.
Source: City of Port Phillip — $1.5 million in funding secured for 'Pick My Park' program (17 Feb 2026)