Advocacy

The City of Maribyrnong’s population is projected to increase by 55 per cent to 153,000 by 2050. This rapid expansion presents both a challenge and an opportunity.

Maribyrnong's diverse and growing population, cultural diversity, mix of industry, and proximity to the Melbourne CBD make it an attractive place to live and invest. However, like many growing communities, our city faces complex social challenges, which require strategic investment from State and Federal Governments to address the pressure on local services, transport, infrastructure, and overall liveability.

The Maribyrnong Council Advocacy Plan 2025-2028 was endorsed at the October 2025 Council Meeting and outlines six key priority areas have been identified, aligning to an overarching theme of Melbourne’s West begins here – to ensure Council’s advocacy efforts support better economic conditions, transport options, mental health resources, sustainability efforts, and cultural improvements, in line with what our community has been asking for.

With effective advocacy and targeted support, Maribyrnong can address all these issues and evolve into a sustainable, inclusive, and highly liveable city, which contributes meaningfully to Melbourne’s broader growth and prosperity.

Future Ready Footscray

A broad advocacy approach is needed to secure a coordinated, cross-government commitment that addresses the complex and interrelated planning, housing, transport, economic, and cultural challenges facing Footscray, with the aim of restoring its reputation as a thriving urban hub.

Local Mental Health and Wellbeing

Local, State and Federal Government partnerships are needed to address the urgent need for ‘missing middle’ mental health services in Maribyrnong and recognising that access for all to safe, secure, and affordable housing is fundamental to supporting mental health within the community.

Air Quality and Environmental Health

Council urges action by all levels of government to improve air quality and associated liveability outcomes in Maribyrnong, including monitoring and managing transport and industry emissions, promoting electric vehicle access, and the expansion of urban greening and tree canopy programs.

Connectivity in a Growing City

Council seeks to secure Government support that reduces car and truck dependence in Maribyrnong by improving public transport modes, frequency, connectivity, active transport, infrastructure, and traffic signalling.

Maribyrnong Flood Recovery and Prevention

Council seeks State and Federal Government Support to help address various issues still impacting community members affected by the 2022 Maribyrnong Flood and to implement measures to prevent or mitigate future flood damage.

Community Infrastructure

Council is calling on State and Federal Governments to back our growing city by investing in vital community infrastructure and unlocking new sites to build thriving communities that deliver lasting social, cultural and economic benefits.

Our Advocacy Approach

Advocacy involves promoting our key priorities and concerns to government decision-makers and collaborating with aligned councils, businesses, peak organisations, and other strategic partners to achieve better results for the community.

In principle, Maribyrnong City Council advocates to:

Shape public policy and allocation of resources
Increase visibility and understanding of issues impacting everyday lives
Participate in matters impacting community

Download: Maribyrnong Council Advocacy Plan 2025-2028(PDF, 12MB)

Strategic Plans

In response to community requests for better economic conditions, transport options, mental health resources, sustainability efforts, and cultural improvements, Council has created strategic plans which set out our advocacy objectives and include:

These Council-endorsed plans guide our commitment to seeking support from State and Federal Governments for our six key advocacy priority areas.

Advocacy Partnerships

In addition to our own advocacy efforts, Council continues to maintain strategic partnerships and alliances that support Maribyrnong’s interests with regional advocacy bodies including LeadWest, M9, MAV, and WoMEDA.