Melbourne is fast-tracking its transformation into the Garden City – ensuring nature is never far from where you live, work, or visit.
Melburnians want a city that’s green and alive – and the City of Melbourne’s draft Budget 2026–27 invests more than $26 million to accelerate the delivery of 13 new or upgraded parks and green open spaces.
This year, we’ll grow the Garden City at scale, with a $5 million investment to fast-track projects across local neighbourhoods.
This includes creating 2,500m2 of new open space at the Chapman Street pocket park in North Melbourne, starting the expansion of the Miles and Dodds Street reserve in Southbank, and progressing plans to expand the Normanby Road reserve
In Kensington, $6.4 million will be invested to transform a warehouse on Chelmsford Street into a community space to relax, exercise, play and connect with nature and Country.
Stage Two of the $7.8 million University Square upgrade in Carlton will ramp up, and a further $5.5 million is allocated to deliver more than 5,000m2 of new open space along the City Road Undercroft.
The renewal of the iconic Queen Victoria Market is one of Melbourne’s most important city-shaping projects. This draft Budget gets the planning right for Market Square – the city’s largest new park – and delivers a new greener, pedestrian-friendly Franklin Street linking State Library Station to the market.
Building on the success of Birrarung Marr, we’ll advance the next stages of the Greenline Project – with $4.4 million announced from the Federal Government to continue to transform the north bank of the Yarra River.
We’ll also aim to plant 3,000 new trees across the municipality and accelerate greening with the private sector and community groups – while continuing to care for our parks and gardens so they remain among the best in the world.
The draft Budget 2026–27 will be announced on Tuesday 31 March, with public consultation to follow until Tuesday 28 April.
Quotes attributable to Lord Mayor Nick Reece
“Melbourne matters – and we’re leading the way as Australia’s Garden City, with 13 new and upgraded green spaces delivered at record speed and scale.”
“Melbourne is growing, and our Garden City is growing with it – from planting up to 3,000 new trees to creating new green spaces, we’re building a green legacy for a bigger, busier and more vibrant city.”
Quotes attributable to Environment portfolio head Councillor Davydd Griffiths
“Melburnians have told us they want a city that green and alive – where nature is never far, no matter where you live, work or visit – and that’s exactly what we’re delivering.”
“We know more green space makes people happier, so we’re creating new open spaces, planting more trees and protecting the lungs of our city.”
Quotes attributable to Aboriginal Melbourne portfolio head Councillor Dr Olivia Ball
“Melbourne is built on Wurundjeri and Bunurong Biik (country). We are proud to have a First Nations Ambassador, Margaret Parisi, leading us in caring for Country and to employ narrap rangers doing some of the work regenerating, restoring and caring for Country.”
“Melbourne is known for its glorious and beloved parks and gardens. They are where we gather, exercise, relax and connect to nature.
“Ensuring there’s enough green open space near where everyone lives and works is an important way local government can support community health and well-being and, as such, it’s a key objective of our Council Plan and this draft budget. As oft financial year, we had achieved open space within 300m of 92% of all homes in the City of Melbourne, and we aim to make that 100%.”
