At the 9 April Council Meeting, Council resolved to address cost-shifting from the State Government to provide better outcomes for the Yarra community. 

To address the unfair burden of cost-shifting on the Yarra community, Council will cease open space maintenance, drain cleaning and hazard response service delivery on Victorian Government-owned roads from 1 July 2024. 

Yarra City Council Mayor, Edward Crossland said:

“For too long, the State Government has been passing on the cost of maintaining their roads and other assets to the Yarra community.” 

“We estimate that street sweeping, tree and weed management, grass cutting, and litter management of State Government roads is costing Yarra ratepayers up to 10 times more than what the Victorian Government gives us to carry out these works.” 

“Despite working with the State Government over several months, Council has been unable to negotiate a more equitable outcome for our ratepayers.”  

“Recouping the costs Council currently spends maintaining assets owned by the Victorian Government would mean more funds available for better outcomes for the Yarra community.” 

Council has however agreed to deliver a biannual street sweeping service as requested by the Department of Transport and Planning.