We gave the Merri-bek community a say in projects, initiatives, or programs that Council could include as part of the 2023/24 Budget.

A proposed total of $250,000 was made available (subject to Council budget adoption) as part of the Community Budget Ideas Program.

Merri-bek residents, community groups, sporting clubs, businesses and organisations were all welcome to contribute.

The outcome

Although $250,000 was allocated to community budget ideas, because of the high level of community engagement, Council has funded the top 3 projects, as supported by the community and has also selected an additional 3 projects for further funding. In total, we have provided $278,000 for community ideas and incorporated them into the budget.

These projects have now been included in the 2023-24 Budget:

As voted by the community:

• Double Councils shade structures program for playground and parks $80,000
• Take the First Step Merri-bek (Domestic Violence prevention) $33,000
• Installation of nesting boxes $10,000
• Accessible tennis facilities and reserves $100,000
• Drinking fountains in shopping strips $50,000
• More bins around parklands $5,000

Additional funding:

• Accessible tennis facilities and reserves $100,000
• Drinking fountains in shopping strips $50,000
• More bins around parklands $5,000