Summary of Capital Works and Asset Improvements (by Asset Category) Directorates, Services and Staff
Message from the Mayor and CEO
We are pleased to share the 2026/27 Annual Budget with the community. Council manages funds to support the delivery of a number of services to nearly 94,650 residents. This Budget meets the challenges of maintaining ageing infrastructure while also investing in new infrastructure to meet the needs of our growing population
Throughout this Budget Companion, and the Budget itself, we have broken down how we intend to utilise this year ’ s $245.28 million budget to support our community for the coming year
Council’s Budget invests in our vision for an inclusive, flourishing, progressive city that cares for both its residents and its environment, as outlined in our Council Plan
Major initiatives – expanded on the next page – have been identified as priorities because they generate significant benefit to the community, directly contribute to the achievement of the Council Plan, and receive a major focus in the budget. This includes improving customer service for our community, continuing work on the Footscray Structure Plan, completing year two of the RecWest Footscray and Shorten Reserve redevelopment, and looking at ways to improve transport connectivity, accessibility and sustainability
The budget includes $91 45 million towards Capital Works – infrastructure like roads, parks, buildings, footpaths, and amenities – that the community use each day
Capital Works have been budgeted equitably across each Ward – Bluestone, Braybrook, Burndap, River, Saltwater, Sheoak and Wattle – to ensure we prioritise our community’s needs against financial constraints
The Capital Works budget considers prior community commitments – Maribyrnong Aquatic Centre Water Slide and Splash Park design and installation, RecWest Footscray and Shorten Reserve development, and Creative West.
Revitalising the Footscray CBD is a continued focus for Council, with just under $6 million proposed for the creation and upgrade of open spaces including Raleigh Street Park, infrastructure works including public lighting, greening, and shop front activations, road and footpath renewals, and Little Africa Activation works
We understand how important it is to our community that our City is easy to get around, which is why this year we have allocated $2.882 million to Active Transport projects, including $1 002 million for the design and construction of bike and pedestrian path infrastructure to support safety, accessibility and connectivity, as well as $1 million on footpath renewal
Also included in this document is Council’s operating costs for staffing and – new in this year ’ s document –highlights across our organisation and municipality of how the Budget positively impacts our community
Thank you to everyone who participated in the engagement process as part of the development of this year ’ s Budget Your insights have helped ensure our spending considers financial constraints, community needs and future needs of our municipality
Buildings: $56 727 million
Roads Infrastructure: $15.186 million (including Bike Infrastructure)
Parks, Open Space, Streetscapes, and Gardens: $8 256 million
Budget overview
Computers and Telecommunications: $2 million
Footpath and Cycleways: $2.9 million
Recreation, Leisure and Community Facilities: $2 41million
Plant Machinery and Equipment: $1 million
Drainage: $0 955 million
Library Books: $0.7 million
Land: $0.680 million
Other: $0 638 million
Major initiatives for 2026/27
Where the Capital Budget will be spent
On the next few pages of this Companion Document, you will see a breakdown of how the budget will be spent across each Ward, along with projects that support the entire municipality.
The breakdown reflects an allocation for each Ward that is equitable, not necessarily equal, and is based on a range of factors including asset condition, and community needs and priorities based on several conversations with our community. It also considers prior community commitments, and the constrained budget Council is working with
You can find more detail about each of the categories, budget allocations and key major projects in the 2026/27 Annual Budget.
Summary
of Capital Works and As Improvements (by Service Catego
City of Maribyrnong: $91.452 million
Maribyrnong Aquatic Centre
Splash Park: $13 18 million
RecWest and Shorten Reserve:
$22.487 million
Creative West: $7 million
By service category
$29,487,000
$14,054,000
$1,132,000
$5,810,000
$3,700,000
$5,436,000
$3,000,000
$4,233,000
$1,155,000
$80,000
$5,971,000
$17,395,000
Municipal wide
These budget items are reflective of general costs that will be spent across the municipality.
$14.143 million
By service category
$920,000
$130,000
$1,100,000
$640,000
$1,750,000
$2,362,000
$5,041,000
Budget 2026/27: Companion Document
Bluestone Ward
$31.532 million
Major projects
RecWest and Shorten Reserve: $22.487 million
Johnson Reserve Master Plan implementation: $90,000
Summerhill Road renewal: $4 510 million
By service category
$22,487,000
$630,000
$4,735,000
$1,500,000
$350,000 $150,000 $250,000 $930,000
$500,000
Braybrook Ward
$2.65 million
Major projects
Braybrook Library Makers space design and construction: $286,000
Braybrook Park Sports Precinct planning: $60,000
Maidstone Child and Family Centre outdoor play space design and construction: $665,000
By service category
$1,314,000
Burndap Ward
$2.96 million
Henry Turner North Reserve cricket net construction: $400,000 Major projects
Maribyrnong River Trail Lighting: $320,000
Footscray Park playground design: $150,000
Barkly Street Road resurfacing: $1.49 million
By service category
$1,490,000
Saltwater Ward
$3.985 million
Major projects
Bunbury Street upgrades: $500,000
Joseph Road and Hopkins Street bridge interface construction: $435,000
Yarraville Gardens Master Plan: $40,000
By service category
$2,895,000
$400,000
$160,000
$440,000 $90,000
Sheoak Ward
$12.909 million
Major projects
Creative West design and planning: $7 million
Footscray CBD upgrades: $5 99 million
Nicholson Street footpath upgrades: $1.5 million
By service category
$7,000,000
$535,000
$80,000
$434,000
$105,000
$4,350,000 $405,000
CBD revitalisation
Footscray
River Ward
$20.837 million
Major projects
Maribyrnong Aquatic Centre Splash Park: $13.18 million
Pipemakers Park Visitor Centre upgrades: $1 million
Maribyrnong Community Centre upgrades: $400,000
By service category
$70,000
$2,112,000 $170,000 $50,000 $90,000 $950,000
$17,395,000
Wattle Ward
$2.437 million
Major projects
Bell Reserve upgrade: $150,000
McIvor Reserve Dog Park upgrade: $100,000
By service category
$495,000
$62,000
$1,100,000
$780,000
Directorates, services and staff
Council has four Directorates with 19 Departments and 56 Services in total. There are 584.99 equivalent full time (EFT) staff.
Services: Provides internal services to ensure a wellmanaged, financially sustainable, reputable and accountable organisation Also supports the elected Council and its decision making role.*
Highlights of what a Budget funds
Community Services Highlight
The arts and culture sector in Maribyrnong contributes $639 million into the local economy every year
This is why it was so important to Council to have a robust strategy in place on how to support the current and future growth of the industry
Endorsed in the 2024/25 financial year, New Horizons: Creative Maribyrnong 2030 sets out our goals to strive for to support the sector.
Council must help facilitate and foster access to arts, as it is an important enabler that supports our strong interculturalism.
Infrastructure Services Highlight
Council is moving towards getting the Maribyrnong Aquatic Centre off gas and becoming fully electric
Once complete, it will save approximately $400,000 a year on operational energy costs
Council has budgeted $3 5 million for this project in 2026/27, including $1.057 million in grants, and $557,000 carried forward from the 2025/26 budget.
This is part of Council’s goal of zero emissions by 2030, as outlined in our Climate Emergency Strategy.
Planning and Environment Services Highlight
Olives to Oil Westside program held in 2025 –returning in 2026 – was led by CERES, in partnership with Brimbank, Hobsons Bay and Maribyrnong councils
The program invited locals to harvest olives from backyard and street trees, and then bring them to community collection points Events held during the program included olive pressing demonstrations, free sustainability workshops and community stalls
Three tonnes of olives came from local street trees and public reserves, reducing waste, weed spread and greenhouse gas emissions
Corporate Services Highlight
Council understands how precious our community’s time is
We have worked hard to find ways to improve customer service interactions and in 2025/26, we implemented a call back feature on our main phone number
Starting in December 2025, residents calling through to Council did not have to wait on hold, and you could instead request a callback without losing your line in the queue.
In 2025, Council received 23,000 calls, and this new feature will help more people from now on
Community Life
Planning and Environment Services
Responsible for whole-of-city strategic planning and economic development, administering Council’s planning scheme, and providing regulatory and enforcement services.
With four departments, 13 services and 143.28 budgeted EFT, Planning and Environment Services comprise 24.49% of the workforce.
Infrastructure Services
Infrastructure Services is responsible for managing and maintaining the city’s built and natural environments in the public domain
With five departments, 15 services and 205.92 budgeted EFT, Infrastructure Services comprise 35.20% of the workforce.
Corporate Services
Corporate Services provides internal services to ensure a well-managed, financially sustainable, reputable and accountable organisation. It also supports the elected Council and its decision making role.
With six departments, 17 services and 107 98 EFT staff, corporate services comprise 18 46% of the workforce.
summary: Corporate Service Departments
Our commitment to Gender Equity
Maribyrnong City Council (Council) continues to maintain a strong commitment to gender equality and preventing family violence and violence against women, which is reflected in the Towards Gender Equity Strategy 2030, and the Gender Equality Action Plan 2022-2025 Together, these outline the actions Council will take to advance gender equality and contribute to the primary prevention of family violence across our organisation and community, whilst also being responsive to emerging issues
The Strategy is framed around the Change the Story Framework delivered by Our Watch, which uses evidence to demonstrate the direct links between gender inequality and violence against women and children. It supports Council to continue to strive for its vision for all people in Maribyrnong to flourish and live free from violence and discrimination and have equal status, rights, opportunities, representation and respect, regardless of their gender
Council provides an Action Plan and Community Report Card annually The Annual Action Plan includes details of the actions to be delivered through six objectives and accompanied strategies. The Community Report Card includes an outline of the programs, initiatives and key achievements that Council has undertaken to meet the objectives and strategies of Towards Gender Equity 2030 in the previous financial year. Council also reports on Gender Equality Act implementation and progress to the Commission for Gender Equality in the Public Sector every two years.
Gender Equality Act
The Victorian Gender Equality Act 2020 aims to improve gender equality in the Victorian public sector, local councils and universities The Act promotes gender equality by requiring these organisations to:
Develop Gender Equality Action Plans to take positive action towards achieving workplace gender equality
Develop Gender Impact Assessments that consider and promote gender equality in their policies, programs and services
In March 2022, Council submitted its first Gender Equality Action Plan (GEAP) 2022-2025 to the Commission for Gender Equality in the Public Sector (the Commission) – details of the investment to support this work is provided in the Council Resources section below. The GEAP outlines the steps Council will take to become safer and more gender equitable, and the strategies and actions in this plan will build on and complement our existing program of work in the community In February 2024, Council submitted its first two-year progress report to the Commission highlighting the progress Council has made over seven indicators towards improving gender equality in the workplace
Council will be submitting it’s second GEAP 2026-2029-and two-year Progress Report on the 22 May 2026
Gender Equality Budget
In 2026/27, Council continues to invest significantly in staff, programs, services and infrastructure to support gender equality in our community. This includes:
0 5FTE (Gender Equality and Child Safety Advisor*) is focused on gender equality, including family violence prevention (both internally and with community) and supporting workforce strategies.
$307,500 in programs and projects relating to gender equality
$500,000 for new payroll and HR system to improve data collection as required by the Gender Equality Act 2020.
*This role is in addition to resources across Council departments and management, with the implementation of the GEAP supported by Council Executive Leadership and Senior Leadership teams.
Program or Project Programs and Projects Description
Respectful Relationships
The Youth Services Team supports gender equity projects and initiatives including:
Respectful Relationships program support in mainstream secondary schools
Sexual and Reproductive health programs in alternative school settings, including Western English Language School.
Child-led six-month gender equality program for year five and six primary school students
Early intervention program for boys exhibiting violent behaviour
Information sessions for parents/carers on a range of topics from pornography, technology facilitated abuse and consent
An emphasis on programs to support and encourage gender equity
Youth Services and Community Outcomes
Gender Equity in the Early Years
Develop and delivery of gender equity information sessions and workshops as a part of the Parenting in Maribyrnong calendar.
Community Centre Programs Community Centre programs deliver health and wellbeing, resilience, cohesion, connectedness, empowerment and belonging in local communities, with a focus on improving gender equity in our municipality Programs include:
Women's social programs including the Latin American Women’s Social Group
Links 4 Women – a support group for isolated women
Education programs such as Home Maintenance Class for Women and career programs
A range of women ’ s only fitness, health and yoga programs
Early Years – Community Life and Community Outcomes
Inclusive Communities
Sport and Recreation programs
Sport and recreation programs are delivered to support women ’ s health and wellbeing, with a focus on gender equality. Programs include: Active Maribyrnong (Spring into Summer and Get Active Expo)
Leaders of the Pack
Sons and Daughters of the West Club Development Series
Victorian Local Government Partnership Program Partnerships with gender-inclusive sporting organisations.
Facilities and Participation – Recreation and Open Space
Climate Statement
Council’s Role and Commitment
Local governments play a pivotal role in responding to the climate emergency, through reducing emissions, supporting community resilience, and advocating for stronger national and state action. The Local Government Act 2020 reinforces this responsibility, requiring councils to promote the economic, social, and environmental sustainability of their municipal districts, including through mitigation of and adaptation to climate change risks.
On 19 February 2019, Maribyrnong City Council declared a Climate Emergency, acknowledging that climate change poses an immediate and existential threat This declaration commits Council and the community to act urgently to restore a safe climate, consistent with the best available science and the principles of social equity and environmental stewardship.
Understanding the Challenge
As global temperatures continue to rise, heatwaves, floods, bushfires, and storms are becoming more frequent and intense across Australia These events are contributing to biodiversity loss, infrastructure damage, and public health risks Within the City of Maribyrnong, the effects of climate change are already evident, particularly among our most vulnerable residents, who face higher risks due to age, health, housing, or economic circumstances
Strategic Response
As global temperatures continue to rise, heatwaves, floods, bushfires, and storms are becoming more frequent and intense across Australia. These events are contributing to biodiversity loss, infrastructure damage, and public health risks. Within the City of Maribyrnong, the effects of climate change are already evident, particularly among our most vulnerable residents, who face higher risks due to age, health, housing, or economic circumstances.
Progress and Future Direction
In 2020, Council adopted the Climate Emergency Strategy, developed collaboratively with the Climate Emergency Community Advisory Group (CEAC). The Strategy provides the overarching framework for Council’s transition to zero emissions and beyond, structured around six key priority areas for action: The Climate Emergency Energy
Efficient Buildings and Infrastructure Transport Consumption and Waste Land Use and Drawdown
In April 2022, Council endorsed the Climate Emergency Action Plan (CEAP), which translates these strategic priorities into a coordinated set of actions, programs, and partnerships that drive measurable change across Council operations and the wider community
Progress and Future Direction
In recent years, Council continued to implement projects and partnerships that advance emissions reduction, energy transition, and community resilience. This work spans multiple departments and leverages external funding, partnerships, and advocacy to deliver tangible climate benefits for the municipality
Looking ahead to 2026/27, Council will continue to expand its program of work to reduce emissions, accelerate electrification, enhance green infrastructure, and build capacity across Council operations and the community to respond to the impacts of a changing climate.
Climate Statement
Key Outcomes 2025/26
Getting Off Gas Program – Developed implementation plan for transition of Council facilities to all-electric operations, completing technical assessments of 41 natural gas-consuming Council buildings Once the gas transition is completed it will see an overall reduction of 1,074 tonnes of CO2 emissions.
Braybrook Community Battery Project – Successfully applied for State grant funding to deliver neighbourhood battery with a 100-kilowatt capacity. This project also includes the expansion of the existing rooftop solar adding increased energy production capacity This project will support renewable energy access and increase building and community resilience
Corporate Emissions – Council continues to report annual greenhouse gas emissions resulting from Council’s operations Council’s emissions profile over time shows a 77% reduction from 12,416 tonnes of CO₂-e in 2008/09 to 2,907 tonnes in 2024/25. 2008/09
Climate Emergency Advisory Committee (CEAC) – Facilitated quarterly meetings and strategic workshops to guide the review of the Climate Emergency Strategy and Action Plan and seek strategic advice.
Community Engagement – Council delivered over 150 events and education opportunities in various formats and topics such as sustainability, gardening, recycling, waste, and electric vehicles Some highlights throughout the year were the delivery of the My Smart Garden program, School Youth Sustainability Summit for primary and secondary students, Olives to Oil program, celebration of Word Wetland Day, delivery of the Sustainable Living Festival and broader campaigns such as Plastic Free July and Garage Sale Trail
Nature and Biodiversity – Endorsed the Nature Plan 2025–2035, and associated Action Plan 2026-2028, strengthening Council’s commitment to local biodiversity protection and naturebased climate solutions.
Integrated Water Management (IWM) – Progressed delivery of the IWM Plan, including addition of WSUD assets into our Asset Register, condition assessment audits and WSUD training for staff
Project Department
Urban Forest Planning – audits, data and monitoring Recreation and Open Space
Tree Planting Parks and Gardens
Tree planting and Urban Forest Strategy implementation Operations and Maintenance
Active Transport Program – Minor works (enhancing safety, including delivering missing path connections, installing bicycle rails, and providing a bike maintenance station), behaviour change.
Footpath renewal program
Transport and Engineering
Transport and Engineering
Electrification of Maribyrnong Aquatic Centre (MAC) Recreation and Open Space
Getting off Gas City Sustainability
Braybrook Community Hub Neighbourhood Battery and Energy Upgrade City Sustainability
