Melbourne’s West begins in Maribyrnong
Published on 23 October 2025
Air quality, connectivity for a growing city, mental health, flood recovery, a future ready Footscray, and community facilities are at the forefront of Council’s advocacy efforts, with the endorsement of an Advocacy Plan at the October Council Meeting.
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.
These priority areas, which reflect both existing and emerging areas of need, include:
- Future Ready Footscray – securing a coordinated, cross government commitment that addresses the complex, interrelated planning, safety, housing, transport, and economic issues within the Footscray CBD.
- Mental Health and Wellbeing – partnering with State and Federal Governments to address the urgent need for ‘missing middle’ mental health services in Maribyrnong and deliver a fully funded, inclusive mental health and wellbeing hub.
- Air Quality and Environment – urging action by all levels of government to improve air quality and associated liveability outcomes in the City of Maribyrnong, including monitoring and managing transport and industry emissions, promoting EV access, and the expansion of urban greening and tree canopy programs.
- Connectivity for a Growing City – securing government support that reduces car and truck dependence in the City of Maribyrnong by improving public transport modes, frequency, connectivity, active transport infrastructure, and traffic signalling.
- Flood Recovery and Mitigation – calling on the State and Federal Governments to stand with our community, supporting those affected by the 2022 Maribyrnong flood, and investing in vital measures to prevent and reduce future flood impacts.
- Community Infrastructure – calling on State and Federal Governments to back our growing City, investing in vital community infrastructure – including a six court sports facility, and Creative West, a regional performing arts centre and library with a civic events plaza – and unlocking new sites to build thriving communities that deliver lasting social, cultural and economic benefits.
City of Maribyrnong Mayor, Cr Pradeep Tiwari, said that with a diverse and growing community, it was important to have a strategic approach to advocating to State and Federal Governments.
“The City of Maribyrnong’s population is expected to increase by 55 per cent to 153,000 by 2051, which presents both challenges and opportunities. Effective advocacy and targeted government support will ensure we are able to address the current and future pressure on local services, transport, infrastructure and overall liveability.”
Council’s advocacy priorities are aligned to the recently endorsed Council Plan and Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan, and will set the foundation for future partnerships and funding requests to ensure our City is sustainable, vibrant, connected, and diverse.
View the Advocacy Plan 2025-28 on our website.
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