Darebin Budget - Streets Alive Darebin's submission

2026/27 Budget | Your Say Darebin

Streets Alive Darebin's budget submission to Darebin Council is summarised below:

We acknowledge Darebin’s leadership in declaring a Climate Emergency, we are concerned that the Draft Budget 2026–27 does not align with these commitments.

Right now, Darebin is underperforming on active travel safety. Compared to other councils, we see significantly worse outcomes for pedestrians and cyclists. At the same time, over 150 community-supported walking and cycling projects remain undelivered. Recent decisions—such as cancelling the South Crescent and Victoria Road cycling projects—have further undermined confidence that Council will deliver on its own strategies.

The result is that our streets remain unsafe. We see risks at intersections, insufficient protection for cyclists, inaccessible tram stops, and streets that prioritise cars over people. These are not abstract issues—they affect everyday safety and liveability for our community.

We are asking Council to take practical, immediate steps.

First, take the opportunity to leverage Victorian Government funding by focussing on High St Northcote/Thornbury corridor and align Council investment with upcoming Victorian Government tram upgrades. Lobby the Victorian Government for funds to incorporate bike lanes and streetscape improvements along this section of High Street.

Next, develop a strategic plan to secure state funding and help deliver the backlog of approved projects, including key east–west cycling links identified by Infrastructure Victoria. Work with Bicycle Network who are calling for the Victorian Government to allocate 5% of the Victorian Transport budget to invest in the Strategic Cycling Corridors. see: Bicycle Network

Finally, support behaviour change by expanding programs like Solar Saver to include e-bikes and continuing the ebike trial across Darebin.