VIC · Melbourne — inner north-east · Local council, made simple
Yarra City Council
An inner-city council just north-east of Melbourne's CBD, home to about 101,000 people. It covers Richmond, Fitzroy, Collingwood, Abbotsford, Clifton Hill, Cremorne, Burnley, Fitzroy North, Carlton North, Princes Hill and parts of Alphington and Fairfield. 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 two waste rates, and when it's due.
2026–27: general rates +2.75% (state cap); waste rates capped at the same rise
Open →Budget & financesYarra's financial indicators, each shown next to the Victorian median.
Average rate per property: $1,937 (Vic median $1,937)
Open →Crime & safetyYarra's recorded offence rates, side by side with the Victorian rate.
10 of 11 offence rates above the Victorian rate (rates are per resident)
Open →Mayor & councillorsYour ward councillor, the Mayor, and how to contact them.
Mayor: Cr Stephen Jolly (2026)
Open →Elections & votingWhen the next council election is, how Yarra'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) 9205 5555
Open →City profileThe basics: how many people live here, how big the area is.
Population: 101,356 (ABS, June 2025)
Open →What's happening
6 updatesRecent items from Yarra City Council's public channels, in plain language.
We check Yarra City Council's website every day, but we can't read it. It refuses requests from our collector, so anything below was recorded by hand and may be out of date. This says nothing about what the council has published — these are the pages we watch:
- Have your say
Have your say: public space safety project in Collingwood
The council is asking locals and visitors what works well and where they don't feel safe in the part of Collingwood within Perry, Gipps, Wellington and Hoddle Streets. The project looks at lighting, visibility and how public spaces are designed and used, and includes a community walk in October. Feedback is open from 18 September to 11:59pm on Sunday 1 November 2026.
What this means for you: Comment on an online map, or register for the walk. The council plans to report back in early 2027.
Source: Your Say Yarra
- Have your say
Have your say: draft Procurement Policy
The council has published a new draft Procurement Policy, which sets out how it buys goods and services, and is seeking feedback on how it works in practice. Feedback is open from 18 September to 11:59pm on Sunday 11 October 2026.
What this means for you: An online survey on Your Say Yarra; you can also ask for a phone conversation.
Source: Your Say Yarra
- Development
Fairfield Park's upgraded play space opens
The upgraded play space at Fairfield Park is open, with new play equipment aimed at toddlers and preschoolers, a water play feature, more shade and seating, and improved accessibility.
What this means for you: The playground is open to use.
Source: Yarra City Council — News
- Policy
Shared e-bike scheme to end after tender
Council resolved not to award a contract for a permanent shared e-bike scheme after the only tender received didn't meet its operational and financial requirements, and to end the existing arrangement with Lime, which was given 30 days' notice. The council says any future scheme would need a new procurement process.
What this means for you: Shared Lime e-bikes are being withdrawn from Yarra. Privately owned e-bikes aren't affected.
Source: Yarra City Council — News
- Policy
2026–27 budget adopted: rates +2.75%, waste rates capped at the same rise
Council adopted the 2026–27 budget and 10-year Long-Term Financial Plan at an extraordinary meeting on 16 June 2026. Average general rates rise 2.75%, in line with the state cap, the two waste rates are held to the same total increase, and the budget funds a $40.3 million capital works program with no new borrowings.
What this means for you: Your 2026–27 rates notice reflects these changes. See the Rates & fees page.
Source: Yarra City Council — News
- Election
Cr Stephen Jolly re-elected Mayor for 2026
The councillors elected Cr Stephen Jolly (MacKillop Ward) to continue as Mayor, and Cr Sharon Harrison (Boulevard Ward) as Deputy Mayor, at the council meeting on 11 November 2025.
What this means for you: The councillors choose the Mayor each year; the next vote is expected in November 2026.
Source: Yarra 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 Yarra City Councilshow up under “What's happening” above as we find them, each linked to its official source.