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
Yarra's direction is set by its 2036 Community Vision and the Council Plan 2025–2029, which the council adopted on 17 June 2025. Each year the plan is carried out through an annual action plan and the budget; 2026–27 is its second year. The council says it is planning for around 44,000 new dwellings in Yarra by 2050.
The Council Plan has four strategic objectives: Living in the City (a city for everyone — welcoming, friendly and connected, where everyone is safe and supported); Building the City (the infrastructure needed for a growing community); Working and Playing in the City (a thriving economy with opportunities to work, create, play and celebrate); and Running the City (transparent and accountable, evidence-based decisions for the sustainability and health of Yarra). The Year Two action plan put to Council on 16 June 2026 lists 26 actions.
The 2026–27 budget, adopted on 16 June 2026, keeps the general rate rise at the 2.75% cap, takes on no new borrowings and funds a $40.3 million new capital works program. By strategic objective, budgeted service expenditure is $106.2 million for Running the City, $61.6 million for Living in the City, $42.8 million for Building the City and $5.3 million for Working and Playing in the City. The council highlights more than $9 million for new and improved open space, the Collingwood Leisure Centre electrification, planning for the Richmond Library redevelopment, $1.2 million for graffiti removal and $800,000 for tree planting.
- Yarra City Council — Council Plan 2025-29 (strategic objectives), read from an archived copy · Nov 2025
- Yarra City Council — Extraordinary Council Meeting agenda, 16 Jun 2026 (Annual Budget 2026-27, s. 2.5; Council Plan Action Plan Year Two; PDF), read from an archived copy · 2026–27
- Yarra City Council — Yarra budget absorbs rising costs, delivering major $40m capital works program (17 Jun 2026), read from an archived copy · Jun 2026
- Your Say Yarra — Draft Budget 2026/27 · Sep 2026
Underway now
Collingwood Leisure Centre electrification
$6 million in 2026–27The adopted 2026–27 budget allocates $6 million to continue electrifying the Collingwood Leisure Centre and upgrading its ventilation and cooling.
Waste and Recycling Strategy
Draft consulted on in 2026; feedback under reviewA draft strategy with four focus areas: improving services (including FOGO, hard rubbish and recycling recovery), engaging the community, extending services to high-density housing, businesses and council facilities, and reducing litter and bin obstruction on streets.
Planned / committed
Collingwood Town Hall precinct affordable housing
Expressions of interest stage (Council vote, April 2026)Council voted to seek expressions of interest for affordable housing on council-owned land near Collingwood Town Hall. Its parameters: lease rather than sell the land; at least 50 affordable rental homes for key workers with rents below 75% of market; a height of around eight storeys; and no council capital or ongoing funding.
Recently delivered
Glass bin collected every 4 weeks
From 6 July 2026The purple-lid glass bin moved from fortnightly to 4-weekly collection; collection days stayed the same. The council says most glass bins weren't full at collection and many residents said the service was too frequent.
Source: Yarra City Council — Bin collection (glass bin FAQ), read from an archived copy (Jul 2026)
Fairfield Park play space upgrade
Opened August 2026The upgraded play space at Fairfield Park opened with new play equipment for toddlers and preschoolers, a water play feature, more shade and seating, and improved accessibility.
Source: Yarra City Council — Fairfield Park's new play space opens (31 Aug 2026), read from an archived copy