Local liveable streets

 a storefront on a street in Fitzroy

We want to make Yarra’s streets as liveable and as enjoyable as possible.

Our Local Liveable Streets program aims to improve our streets as liveable and dynamic spaces for their communities for years to come.

The Local Liveable Streets program gives community members an opportunity to propose improvements to their local streets for Council to consider.

The Local Liveable Streets guide provides community members with some high-level guidance around how improved outcomes can be achieved on local streets in Yarra.

It sets out:

  • the principles and examples of good design in local streets
  • explains general criteria and thresholds for evaluating proposals
  • outlines the key steps in the process

This document sits alongside Yarra’s Place Making Framework 2022, which identifies principles of place making.  

Read the documents

What is the Local Liveable Streets Program?

This program considers medium scale community-initiated proposals that are generally not covered by Council’s business-as-usual activities and can generally be delivered in one financial year.

Council offers several other avenues and programs (some with funding) that our community can explore if they are interested in community-led initiatives – a summary of these is available on page 25 of the Local Liveable Streets guide.

The Local Liveable Streets program considers proposals that:

  • support our Community Vision, Council Plan and relevant Council policies
  • benefit the local community
  • consider any social, economic, environmental and climate adaptation impacts
  • can be delivered within one financial year.

Proposals that meet these criteria will be considered for shortlisting and then put forward for consideration in the draft Budget as part of Council’s annual budget process.

You can make an enquiry about your proposal any time. Before you submit a proposal, please speak with a member of Council’s Urban Design team to check your proposal is suitable for this program.

What types of proposals aren’t suitable for this program?

Larger scale changes to local streets that require significant funding and resources would not be considered for the Local Liveable Streets program as these generally require detailed feasibility work, particularly if they impact kerbs, drainage, parking and utilities.

Minor changes to Council infrastructure, minor requests (for example a new tree, seat or accessible parking bay) are processed through Council’s customer request system. To submit a request contact Council’s Access Yarra team on 03 9205 5555 or email [email protected]

Council also provides a range of grants to support community initiatives. To find out more about these grants, click here.

Council also offers a range of programs to cater for community growing spaces such as temporary laneway gardens and planter boxes. To find out more about this program, click here.

How can I propose an idea for my street?

There are 3 steps to follow:

  1. Speak with Council’s Urban Design team about your proposal.
  2. Read the Local Liveable Streets Program guide.
  3. Submit an idea.

 Eligible proposals that meet the criteria will be considered for funding. 

More information

For more information speak with Council’s Urban Design team on 9205 5555 or email [email protected].