Advocacy

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Council’s advocacy work is vital in securing funding and support for initiatives that benefit the whole community.

Our priorities reflect what our community has told us is important - safer roads, better public transport, well-maintained sporting facilities and strong environmental protections.

We advocate strongly with other levels of government, and work in partnership with agencies such as the Northern Councils Alliance and the Municipal Association of Victoria.

Key advocacy priorities

Five key advocacy priorities were endorsed by Council in September 2025. These priorities focus on delivering significant infrastructure upgrades, improvements to community sporting facilities, and changes to key legislation.

Many of these initiatives fall outside Council’s direct responsibility, and will require financial and strategic support from other levels of government.

Civic Drive roundabout

We are seeking:

For the Victorian Government to undertake a business case to inform the upgrade of the Diamond Creek Road/Greensborough Bypass intersection.

Aqueduct Trail

We are seeking:

$3.3 million to plan and construct a new section of the Aqueduct trail connecting the Plenty River Trail near Lear Court, east along the aqueduct across Creek Road to the Diamond Creek Trail at Allendale Road.

Pedestrian crossing in Coolabah Drive Eltham

We are seeking:

$2 million for a pedestrian crossing across the Hurstbridge railway line between Coolabah Reserve and the Eltham North Adventure Playground.

Bus route in rural communities

We are seeking:

That the Victorian Government prioritises a bus network review in Nillumbik to identify where to improve services across the shire, particularly in the rural areas.

Yan Yean Road Stage 2

We are seeking:

  • $1.65 million to seal Eisemans Road, De Fredericks Road and Hacketts Road, Yarrambat prior to roadworks associated with the Stage 2 upgrade of Yan Yean Road.
  • Initiatives to reduce the incidence of wildlife being killed on the road.

Achieved:

  • Preservation of all eight river red gums at the intersection of Yan Yean Road and Doctors Gully Road.

Read Council's submission and the Yan Yean Road upgrade.

Other priorities

In addition to these major projects, a further 23 electorate-based projects have been identified, many involving upgrades to local sporting facilities. Council will collaborate with local MPs to explore funding opportunities for these initiatives.

Council is also partnering with other agencies to advocate on broader issues impacting multiple municipalities, including:

  • pausing the roll out of the glass kerbside collection service
  • abandoning the Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund.

Further advocacy efforts will focus on the ongoing need for:

  • improved access to mental health and family violence support services
  • enhanced funding for bushfire preparedness
  • protection of the Green Wedge and local environment.

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    VEC website

     

    For federal electorate

    AEC website

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