VIC · Melbourne — eastern suburbs · Local council, made simple
Whitehorse City Council
A council in Melbourne's eastern suburbs, home to about 185,000 people. It covers Box Hill, Blackburn, Mitcham, Nunawading, Vermont, Burwood, Forest Hill and neighbouring suburbs. 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, the waste service charge, and when it's due.
2026–27: general rates +2.75% (state cap); waste charges down 3%
Open →Budget & financesWhitehorse's financial indicators, each shown next to the Victorian median.
Average rate per property: $1,516 (Vic median $1,937)
Open →Crime & safetyWhitehorse's recorded offence rates, side by side with the Victorian rate.
9 of 11 offence rates below the Victorian rate
Open →Mayor & councillorsYour ward councillor, the Mayor, and how to contact them.
Mayor: Cr Kirsten Langford (2025–26)
Open →Elections & votingWhen the next council election is, how Whitehorse'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 address.
Phone: (03) 9262 6333
Open →City profileThe basics: how many people live here, how big the area is.
Population: 185,256 (ABS, June 2025)
Open →What's happening
5 updatesRecent items from Whitehorse City Council's public channels, in plain language.
- Development
Mont Albert Road speed limit to drop to 50 km/h
Federal Black Spot funding will pay for safety works on Mont Albert Road between Elgar Road and Bourke Road. The speed limit will be cut from 60 to 50 km/h and school zone signs replaced with electronic signs, over the next two financial years.
What this means for you: If you drive this stretch of Mont Albert Road, expect a lower speed limit and roadworks over the next two years.
Source: Whitehorse City Council — News
- Development
State seeks feedback on Mount Scopus site rezoning in Burwood
The State Government opened consultation on a draft planning scheme amendment for the 10-hectare Mount Scopus Memorial College site in Burwood, proposing about 3,900 homes in buildings of 3 to 20 storeys, with retail and open space. The Minister for Planning will decide; the council says it is not the planning authority and will make a submission.
What this means for you: If you live near the site, check the state's Engage Victoria page for the proposal and whether feedback is still open.
Source: Whitehorse City Council — News
- Policy
2026–27 budget adopted: rates +2.75%, waste charges down 3%
The council endorsed its 2026–27 budget on 22 June 2026: $195 million for services and $89.3 million for capital works. Average general rates rise 2.75%, in line with the state cap, and the Waste Service Charge falls 3%.
What this means for you: Your 2026–27 rates notice reflects these changes; the first instalment is due 30 September 2026. See the Rates & fees page.
Source: Whitehorse City Council — News
- Waste
Council defers kerbside glass bin
On 20 April 2026 councillors voted unanimously to defer a state-required kerbside glass bin service, saying the state had not released a business case or service standards. The council is calling for the Container Deposit Scheme to take glass wine and spirit bottles.
What this means for you: No change to your bins for now: glass bottles and jars still go in the yellow-lid recycling bin.
Source: Whitehorse City Council — News
- Election
Cr Kirsten Langford elected Mayor for 2025–26
The councillors elected Cr Kirsten Langford (Kingsley Ward) as Mayor of Whitehorse and Cr Kieran Simpson (Cootamundra Ward) as Deputy Mayor on 12 November 2025.
What this means for you: The councillors choose the Mayor each year. The next vote is at the council meeting on 11 November 2026.
Source: Whitehorse 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 Whitehorse City Councilshow up under “What's happening” above as we find them, each linked to its official source.