We gave the Merri-bek community a say in projects, initiatives, or programs that Council could include as part of the 2024/25 Budget.

A proposed total of $250,000 is 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 initiatives we received

We are thrilled to share that we received a higher number of exciting project submissions than in previous years.

All submissions that met the program criteria were included in Stage 2.

During Stage 2

• 415 people participated in supporting their 3 favourite projects online.
• 808 people participated in supporting their 3 favourite projects in-person, across 5 pop up locations.
• This was a total of 1,223 people who participated in stage 2.

Stage 3: outcomes

Council has allocated $399,000 towards Community Budget Ideas initiatives that have been included in the proposed budget:

• $150,000 to accelerate the installation of sunshades over Merri-bek's playgrounds
• $40,000 towards installing more seats on walking routes to the shops
• $60,000 towards installing drinking fountains in shopping strips
• $59,000 for Take the Next Step Merri-bek (domestic violence prevention)
• $60,000 for a half-court basketball ring in Glenroy
• $30,000 free basketball court and soccer field for all of Fawkner

See Council Budget 2024-2028 to find out more details about our Proposed 2024-2028 Budget.

How did the Community Budget Ideas process work?