Reducing the impacts of climate change and increasing biodiversity and tree canopy across Boroondara is a priority in this draft Budget.

Some of the major investments we’re making in this area for include $11 million over the next 4 years to deliver actions from our Climate Action Plan, $8.75 million over the next 4 years to increase tree canopy cover, and to commence the ‘electrification’ of Boroondara Sports Complex by replacing gas water heating with an electric system and installing solar panels and electric vehicle charging infrastructure – a capital investment of $3.42 million in 2026-27.

We will also expand biodiversity areas at the Burke Road Billabong, Willsmere Billabong and King Street Chain to help reach our target of increasing land managed for biodiversity by 1.35 hectares each year.

Another focus is to improve active transport around Boroondara with better and well-connected links.

We’re currently finalising and implementing our Greenways Plan, which we’ll invest $12 million into over the next 4 years to connect and expand our shared-use path network. This funding will help link neighbourhoods, parks, schools and other key destinations, making it safer and easier to move around Boroondara sustainably.

Vibrant shopping areas and thriving local businesses are important to our community.

We’ll be delivering an updated plan to guide and prioritise the right infrastructure improvements to support local economic activity.

Delivering on the Boroondara Vibrant Shopping Centres Quick Wins Program will enhance the look, feel and functionality of our retail precincts. We’ll invest $1.6 million over the next 12 months to support our local traders with this program.

We’ll continue our work on place planning in key urban areas to support our local businesses, economic growth and social connection.

Planning ahead is critical to ensure Boroondara continues to grow and develop in a sustainable way.

We’ll support sustainable housing growth will well-considered planning in our activity centres, including commercial areas along Toorak Rd in Hartwell, and Whitehorse Road in Balwyn.

Another highlight for us is being able to support the community to deliver the Alice Anderson Memorial Sculpture Project in Kew, which we’re investing $115,000 into to help celebrate our local history and cultural heritage.

We’ll continue to advocate on behalf of our community for fair and effective Victorian Government planning reforms that support growth in suitable locations while protecting the liveability, environmental sustainability, tree canopy and heritage of the area.

Construction will start on the Michael Tuck Stand redevelopment, creating a facility to support a wide range of community programs and services.

We’ll continue works on the Kew Library upgrade to modernise the space and improve the experience for library users.

Another key focus of ours is to improve changerooms in our community facilities and pavilions, so they are more inclusive for everyone, with better facilities for women and improved accessibility. This will improve their overall functionality and support community participation in sport. Construction will begin on the pavilions at Greythorn Park, Ferndale Park and Hartwell Reserve and we’ll work with sporting clubs and community groups on the pavilion design for Myrtle Park in Kew.

Renewal works at Estrella Preschool will also be completed to provide modern, functional and accessible learning environments for children and families.