Yarra City Council will undertake its most ambitious capital works program to date, with the adoption of the City’s budget on Tuesday night.
Over the next four years, Council will deliver significant infrastructure improvements that will shape the future of Yarra, ensuring it remains a vibrant, connected, and livable city for a rapidly growing population.
"From the very beginning, this has been a people’s budget,” said Yarra City Council Mayor, Cr Stephen Jolly.
“The genesis of this budget came from our Councillors who have been listening to our community, and it continued through to the consultation process – I don’t think I’ve seen as many people turn up and contribute to a Council meeting on the budget as I did earlier this month.”
Mayor Jolly says the budget represents the biggest investment in community infrastructure in Yarra’s history.
“We are building the facilities that ensure our suburbs remain true communities, ensuring our residents now, and the tens of thousands more – as many as 80,000 more by 2050 – who will come to call Yarra home, have access to the amenities they need."
The budget outlines a Capital Works program that will grow from $35.3m in 2025/2026 to $49m in 2028/2029 to ensure the City is investing for a rapidly growing community.
Major Investments in Community Infrastructure
Expanded Cycling Infrastructure
Progressing the extension of the dedicated bike lane on Wellington Street from Johnston Street to Queens Parade, as well as additional bike parking and repair stations.
Leisure Centre Upgrades
Enhancements to the Richmond, Fitzroy, and Collingwood leisure centres, including the extension of concession rates for Adult Swim and Swim, Spa & Sauna services to all Seniors Card holders, not just those with a Seniors Concession Card.
Victoria Street Revitalisation
Enhance the precinct through safety interventions, greening and beautification efforts to foster economic growth to support traders.
Alphington Community Infrastructure
Redevelopment of the bowls club and Yarralea Kindergarten.
Kevin Bartlett Reserve Pavilion
Design of a new sports pavilion in Richmond.
Road Safety Improvements
$2.2 million allocated to new pedestrian crossings in Cremorne, Abbotsford, and Alphington.
Fitzroy Futsal Ground
A new all-weather futsal facility adjacent to the public housing estate.
Stormwater Drainage Works
$4.26 million allocated to both planning and fixing stormwater drains.
Parks & Open Space Enhancements
More than $5.7 million for new parks in Richmond and Collingwood, improvements to existing parks such as Garry Owen in Fitzroy, sports field upgrades, and a new synthetic pitch at Kevin Bartlett Reserve.
Richmond Library Improvements
Upgrades to ensure this facility continues to be loved by the community.
Tackling Public Waste and Household Bin Collection Charges
The Council is also addressing public waste and household bin collection charges with a comprehensive review of bin services now and what will be delivered in the future.
Addressing Housing & Urban Development
The Council is reigniting plans for a major housing development next to Collingwood Town Hall, with plans to provide below-market rent apartments for key workers such as nurses and hospitality staff.
Sustainable Future & Electric Vehicles
Significant funds have been allocated to expand electric vehicle charging points throughout Yarra, supporting the transition to sustainable transport options and four community batteries will be built.
"This is a budget that meets the needs of our growing community," said Mayor Jolly. “It is an unashamedly ambitious budget, and the work to realise it in full begins today.”