The City of Melbourne will continue its record investment in safe and clean streets through major investments in the draft Budget 2026–27.
The draft Budget will double the number of Community Safety Officers on our streets – from 11 to 22 – backed by a further $1.7 million investment.
That means more officers on the beat, supporting vulnerable people and stepping in early to prevent antisocial behaviour.
An additional 100 cameras have been rolled out across the Safe City Camera Network in the past year, with up to 150 cameras to be added to our network backed by a $320,000 investment to maintain city‑wide safety around the clock.
Council will explore ways to make it easier to walk around our shopping and dining precincts, starting with the transformation of Flinders Lane between Swanston and Degraves streets.
The footpath will continue seamlessly into the roadway at one level, with bluestone pavers installed and greenery added by Spring 2026.
Council will invest $250,000 to explore similar projects to boost business and visitation in the retail core – such as extending the iconic Bourke Street Mall.
We’re making our roads safer for everyone who uses them, with $14.7 million for new road safety initiatives, footpath renewal and cycling infrastructure.
This includes protected bike lanes on Exhibition Street, progressing the next stage of works on Queensberry Street and Rathdowne Street, and advancing design and community engagement for future lanes on Queens Bridge Street and Flinders Street.
A cleaner city means a safer, more welcoming place for everyone – and this draft Budget invests $34.3 million to keep Melbourne’s streets clean and well maintained.
We’ll get on with the job of removing graffiti, picking up litter, and keeping rubbish and recycling services running smoothly across our neighbourhoods.
With increased funding, our Clean Team now operates around the clock – targeting more than 130,000 square metres of graffiti each year, the equivalent of more than five MCGs.
Melburnians care about the environment – and so do we. That’s why we’ll roll out new food and garden organics (FOGO) services to high-rise apartment buildings, helping reduce waste and maintain the high standards our community expects.
We will also invest $2 million to rehabilitate piles at NewQuay Wharf in Docklands – keeping this important waterfront asset safe, functional and accessible for Melbourne’s boating community.
Feedback on the draft Budget 2026–27 can be provided on Participate Melbourne from 6pm on Tuesday 31 March until 6pm on Tuesday 28 April.
Quotes attributable to Lord Mayor Nick Reece
“We’re delivering record investments to make our city safer, kinder, cleaner and welcoming for everyone.”
“In the first two years of this Council term, we will deploy 22 Community Safety Officers and expand our camera network by 70 per cent.”
“We are also expanding our on-street support services for people experiencing homelessness – including for the first time support for those with acute mental health issues.”
“Streets that put people first are safer and better for business – that’s why we’re transforming Flinders Lane and exploring more walkable retail precincts across the CBD.”
Quotes attributable to Safety and Cleaning portfolio head Councillor Rafael Camillo
“Melburnians deserve to feel safe wherever they are – whether they’re heading to work, enjoying a night out or walking home.”
“We’re proud to be doubling the number of Community Safety Officers and expanding our Safe City Camera network, making Melbourne safer for everyone.”
“This budget responds to what the community has asked for – a visible safety presence in our city and continued efforts towards improving the wellbeing of Melburnians – making our city a world-class capital.”
