THE City of Whittlesea has released its Annual Report, showcasing all of council’s achievements and projects delivered across the last 12 months.
Endorsed at the Council Meeting on October 20, the Annual Report showcases how the City of Whittlesea is continuing to deliver the infrastructure and services needed to support the growing community.
Work on more than 130 infrastructure projects across the municipality continued as part of Council’s $87 million capital works program. This included streetscape and playground upgrades, new walking and cycling paths, sports ground upgrades, improvements to local roads and major projects such as the opening of the Aboriginal Gathering Place and completion of the Granite Hills Major Community Park at bunjil nganga Parkland, Quarry Hills; the new murnong Community Centre in Donnybrook; major revitalisation work at Peter Hopper Lake in Mill Park and the start of construction on the sports courts and stadium in Mernda.
Council is focused on innovation and efficiency, with investment in improving the customer experience and making it easier for the community to connect. Through Council’s upgraded online customer portal and new website chat function, residents can access the information they need.
As part of Council’s ongoing commitment to providing the community with meaningful opportunities to participate and influence decisions, residents were consulted on more than 50 projects, ensuring that their voices were heard on issues that are important to them.
Other highlights from the 2025-2026 Annual Report include completed construction of the West Wollert Community Centre; provided $1.8 million in community grants to support community groups, sporting groups, businesses, individuals and emergency services; approved the development of a dedicated Youth Hub in South Morang; adopted a number of plans, including the Affordable Housing Plan, Open Space Plan, Advocacy Prospectus and Domestic Animal Management Plan; partnered with Beyond Housing to commence construction on 27 new social and affordable dwellings and a community park in Ashline Street, Wollert; developed the Draft Economic Growth Strategy 2026-2036; successfully completed the roll out of 35,000 food and garden waste bins to residents who did not already have one and adopted the Community Plan 2025-29 and Community Action Plan 2025-26, following extensive community consultation and engagement.
City of Whittlesea Mayor Councillor Lawrie Cox said it was a big 12 months for Council.
“The City of Whittlesea Annual Report 2025-2026 highlights the work undertaken by Council over the past year to provide residents with the places, spaces and services they need to thrive,” he said.
“The theme of this year’s report is ‘Connecting people, places and possibilities’, which reflects our commitment to creating a community where our residents feel connected, supported and empowered.
“This commitment is demonstrated through the delivery of quality infrastructure, responsive customer service, accessible community facilities, and programs and services that meet the changing needs of our growing community.
“Looking ahead, we remain focused on delivering the infrastructure, spaces and services that enable our community to connect, while supporting opportunities for people to live, work and play locally.”
