Proposed Annual Budget 2026/27: equitable spending for the future

Published on 22 April 2026

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Council has proposed a $245.28 million 2026/27 Annual Budget to support the approximate 94,650 residents who call Maribyrnong home.

The Proposed Budget includes $91.45 million towards Capital Works – infrastructure like roads, parks, buildings, footpaths, and amenities – the community use each day. This Budget meets the challenges of maintaining ageing infrastructure, while also investing to meet the needs of our growing and changing population.

The key proposed spending allocations include:

  • $22.487 million on the RecWest and Shorten Reserve upgrade
  • $19.905 million on works at Maribyrnong Aquatic Centre, including $15.69 million on the Water Slide and Splash Park, and $2.943 million on the electrification of the MAC.
  • $11.544 million on roads and footpaths, including:
    • $2 million on road renewal for Summerhill Road in West Footscray
    • $1.95 million on the Road Resheet Program to maintain and improve conditions of roads
    • $7 million for the development of Creative West, which includes a redeveloped Footscray Library, a performance/events space, and a civic open space.
  • Almost $6 million for Footscray CBD, including but not limited to:
    • $2 million for streetscape and footpath upgrades on Nicholson Street
    • $1.49 million for Barkly Street resurfacing
    • $300,000 for minor infrastructure like public lighting, greening and shop front activations
    • $700,000 for the creation and upgrade of open spaces (Leeds Street/Donald Street)
  • $5.436 million for Parks and Gardens, including $1.002 million for tree planting

The proposed Annual Budget is passing through the 2.75 per cent rate cap increase, which applies to Council total rate revenue, not individual properties, as set by the State Government under the Fair Go Rates System.

“Thank you to everyone who participated in the engagement process as part of the development of our next budget. We received almost 1,500 responses to help shape this year’s Budget, which gave precise insights into your vision for the coming year. This has helped ensure our spending considers financial constraints, community needs and future needs of our municipality,” Mayor, Cr Mohamed Semra said.

This is your last chance to provide feedback on the Budget for 2026/27.

View the Proposed Budget 2026/27 and share your comments by midnight Friday 15 May 2026 at yourcityyourvoice.com.au/budget

 

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