Melton City Council has adopted its 2025/26 Budget, with a strong emphasis on an ambitious capital works program and transformational projects to support the needs of the City's rapidly growing community.
At the heart of the Budget is a $225.8 million capital works program, Council's largest ever, which will be planning, designing and getting on with the delivery of a mix of additional leisure facilities, new community buildings, major road upgrades, increased pathway connections, and much more.
Funding has also been allocated to continue work on two transformational projects, the Cobblebank Community Services Hub and Plumpton Aquatic and Leisure Centre, which are scheduled for completion in late 2026 and 2028 respectively.
Seventeen community-driven projects, totalling $3.6 million, have also been funded, and include road projects, park enhancements, sportsground upgrades, facility improvements and footpath upgrades.
Highlights of the 2025/26 capital works program include:
- $45.3 million for construction of Cobblebank Community Services Hub
- $27.8 million to commence construction of Plumpton Aquatic and Leisure Centre
- $8.4 million to complete construction of Weir Views Children's and Community Centre
- $7.6 million to commence construction of Deanside Community Centre and Neighbourhood House
- $11.17 million to upgrade 26 local playspaces
- $5.9 million for the redevelopment of the sportsground at Taylors Hill Recreation Reserve
- $3.8 million to complete the Macpherson Park Rugby Pavilion
- $2.5 million to reconstruct the Arnolds Creek tennis courts
- $9.7 million towards construction of traffic lights at Plumpton Road, Sinclairs Road and Westwood Drive, along with commencing duplication between Westwood Drive and Gourlay Road
- $2.8 million for turning lanes at Exford Road car park and Murphys Road
- $1.9 million to upgrade the Exford Road/Wilson Road and Exford Road/Northcott Street intersection
Average rates in 2025/26 will increase by 3 per cent, in line with the Victorian Government's rate cap for this financial year, allowing for the continued delivery of over 100 services and programs to the City's residents.
View the 2025/26 Budget.
Quotes attributable to City of Melton Mayor Cr Steve Abboushi:
"This is Melton City Council's biggest ever capital works investment and will ensure our fast growing community has access to the modern facilities, improved roads and vibrant public spaces they need to thrive."
"We're also continuing to invest in the everyday services that matter most – from waste collection and libraries to community events, and more than 100 services that support residents of all ages and abilities."
"This budget is grounded in extensive community consultation. Every project and initiative has been informed by community feedback—whether it's better roads, upgraded community centres, expanded green spaces, inclusive programming, or local events that bring people together."
"Thank you to everyone who has contributed to this year's budget. It will allow us to continue to deliver on the needs of our community, while ensuring our financial stability over the longer term."
