Melton City Council has released its 2026/27 Draft Budget for community feedback centred around a $255.23 million capital works budget.
Council's record capital works investment will include $118.76 million for recreational and leisure facilities; $30.75 million for roads; $29.26 million for community facilities; $11.54 million for parks, open space and streetscapes; and $5.65 million for footpaths and cycleways.
Highlights include $101.59 million for the construction of the aquatic and leisure centre in Fraser Rise and $9.61 million to complete construction of the community services building in Cobblebank, and $4.48 million to commence upgrades to Taylors Road, including duplication between City Vista Court and Westwood Drive.
Also included are key community projects such as the Diggers Rest Community Centre, the Rockbank East Children's and Community Centre and the construction of the Mt Atkinson East Sports Reserve.
The annual draft Council budget has been shaped with input from the community following an invitation late last year for residents and groups to put forward their ideas. More than $27.6 million in funding to support the delivery of 64 of these ideas has been allocated in this draft budget, including improvements to local roads and pathways, open space, parks and recreation.
Average rates for 2026/27 are proposed to increase by 2.75 per cent, which is in line with the State Government's rate cap, to continue to deliver more than 100 services for the City's rapidly growing population and invest in community spaces and the natural environment.
The 2026/27 Draft Budget is open for feedback until Tuesday 12 May 2026.
