VIC · Melbourne — northern growth area · Local council, made simple
Whittlesea City Council
A council on Melbourne's northern edge, home to about 260,000 people. It stretches from Thomastown, Lalor and Mill Park through the growth suburbs of Epping, South Morang, Mernda and Wollert to the Whittlesea township. 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, how your bill is worked out, and when it's due.
2026–27: average rates +2.75% (state cap)
Open →Budget & financesWhittlesea's financial indicators, each shown next to the Victorian median.
Average rate per property: $1,899 (Vic median $1,937)
Open →Crime & safetyWhittlesea's recorded offence rates, side by side with the Victorian rate.
11 of 11 offence rates below the Victorian rate
Open →Mayor & councillorsYour ward councillor, the Mayor, and how to contact them.
Mayor: Cr Lawrie Cox (2025–26)
Open →Elections & votingWhen the next council election is, how Whittlesea's wards vote, and the results since 2024.
Next election: Sat 28 Oct 2028 (by post)
Open →Contact & servicesHow to reach the council: phone, counter hours and address.
Phone: 03 9217 2170
Open →City profileThe basics: how many people live here, how big the area is.
Population: 259,759 (ABS, June 2025)
Open →What's happening
5 updatesRecent items from Whittlesea City Council's public channels, in plain language.
- Policy
Business to Business grants open, up to $10,000
Local businesses can apply for up to $10,000, matched dollar for dollar, in two streams. Round one closes on 31 December 2026, and a second round is planned for February 2027. The program is open to members of the council's free Business Network.
What this means for you: Local business owners can check eligibility and apply on the council's business grants page.
Source: City of Whittlesea — Latest news
- Policy
$627 parking fines at sports grounds in August to be cancelled
The council says it will cancel the 42 fines of $627 issued for parking on council reserves at local sports grounds in August 2026 and refund anyone who has paid. It will also review all fines issued under this offence since its Community Local Law began on 1 July 2024. Illegal parking will still attract a standard parking fine.
What this means for you: If you received one of these fines in August, the council says it will contact you about the cancellation and refund.
Source: City of Whittlesea — Latest news
- Policy
Economic Growth Strategy 2026–2036 endorsed
The Council meeting on 15 September 2026 endorsed a 10-year Economic Growth Strategy, to be delivered through rolling two-year action plans. The council expects the population to grow to about 360,000 by 2036.
What this means for you: The strategy is on the council's plans, strategies and policies page.
Source: City of Whittlesea — Latest news
- Development
Peter Hopper Lake upgrade completed in Mill Park
The $4.9 million upgrade of Peter Hopper Lake at Redleap Recreation Reserve is complete. It adds a circuit path, seating, lighting and a viewing platform, and improves water quality and stormwater management.
What this means for you: A new walking loop and lookout in Mill Park.
Source: City of Whittlesea — Latest news
- Election
Chaman Tiwari elected Thomastown Ward councillor
The VEC declared the Thomastown Ward by-election result on 12 June 2026. Chaman Tiwari was elected for the rest of the council term, filling the seat left vacant when Nic Brooks resigned in January 2026.
What this means for you: Thomastown Ward residents can contact Cr Tiwari through the council's councillors page.
Source: City of Whittlesea — Latest 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 Whittlesea City Councilshow up under “What's happening” above as we find them, each linked to its official source.