Advocacy successes for member Councils

Councils across Melbourne’s north have been successful in recent advocacy campaigns, bringing much-needed investment into our region. Banyule, Hume, Merri-bek and Mitchell provide examples of how their advocacy efforts have resulted in gains for their communities.

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Mitchell

Over the last few years, Mitchell Shire Council’s advocacy has resulted in over $2.73 billion of investment within the Shire and the region. This includes more than $1.08 billion in funding for new and improved road connections, almost $50 million in community facilities and funding for transformational projects, including the Beveridge Intermodal Precinct.

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The Shire’s advocacy has also focused on the delivery of vital health and human services, including increased locally-based family violence and mental health support services. By taking a targeted, impact-focused approach, Mitchell Shire Council is working hard to deliver outcomes for their community and the northern region more broadly.

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Hume

Hume City Council welcomed a significant funding boost of over $3.3 million from the federal government to support delivery of an urban development strategy for Broadmeadows. The Broadmeadows Revitalisation Project, which is being sponsored by Hume City Council on behalf of its partners on the Broadmeadows Revitalisation Board, aims to address societal disadvantage in the area while transforming Broadmeadows into a centralised hub for Melbourne’s north.

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More information is available at: Hume welcomes Federal support for Broadmeadows Revitalisation - Hume City Council.

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Banyule

Banyule City Council secured $2.3 million in Australian Government funding towards switching WaterMarc to 100 per cent renewable energy. The grant from the Community Energy Upgrades Fund was announced by Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Chris Bowen and Jagajaga MP Kate Thwaites at WaterMarc in February.

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Currently, WaterMarc relies on four gas boilers to maintain the temperature of the pool water and hall and the four-storey office building above, costing Council over $465,000 to operate each year. The new funding will enable replacement of the gas boilers and domestic hot water units with heat pump technology accompanied by upgrades to air handling systems. The electric replacement heat pumps will remove all emissions from onsite operations and will be up to five times more energy efficient than the gas boilers. The funding brings Banyule a big step closer to their zero net emissions target for all Council operations by 2028.

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Merri-bek

Merri-bek City Council gained $739,850 for electrification of the Oak Park Sports and Aquatic Precinct. This project, which will be funded 50/50 by the Victorian Government and Council, will transition the site to net zero by removing all gas usage. Boilers for heating pool water and showers, as well as kitchen equipment, will be replaced with heat pumps and other electric technology. With electricity backed by certificates from the Crowlands Windfarm, the project will significantly reduce Council's carbon emissions.​​​​

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Funding of $1,456,539 was also granted for the Thriving Suburbs for the Fawkner Community Sports and Recreation Hub Development Project at Moomba Park Reserve. This project will combine a sports pavilion with a community public facility and construct a separate public toilet. Removal of one building will enable Council to create two senior soccer pitches from the existing single pitch in the future. The development, which will be funded 50/50 by the Victorian Government and Council, will increase access to facilities, create female-friendly sports spaces, provide safe youth areas and enhance the sustainability and occupancy of Merri-bek venues.

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​​​​​​Revive Live funding of $108,900 will help Merri-bek City Council foster increased live music activity across Brunswick during BMF 2025 through support to expand performance opportunities and foster growth in Australian contemporary music;  sustain a thriving live music ecosystem by providing essential funding for artists and artist-led projects; support the creation of new, artistically excellent works by Australian artists and enhance support for projects led by disabled artists; and improve accessibility for audiences.