City of Melbourne Council’s draft $804.8 million Budget 2026-27 includes funding to double the city’s number of Community Safety Officer workforce from 11 to 22.
The Council says the $1.7 million investment will mean more officers on the beat, supporting vulnerable people and stepping in early to prevent antisocial behaviour.
“We’re delivering record investments to make our city safer, kinder, cleaner and welcoming for everyone,” said Lord Mayor, Nick Reece.
An additional 100 cameras have also been rolled out across the Safe City Camera Network in the past year, with up to 150 cameras to be added to the city’s network backed by a $320,000 investment to maintain city‑wide safety around the clock.
“In the first two years of this Council term, we will deploy 22 Community Safety Officers and expand our camera network by 70%,” said the Lord Mayor.
“We are also expanding our on-street support services for people experiencing homelessness – including for the first time support for those with acute mental health issues.”
Council says it will also explore ways to make it easier to walk around our shopping and dining precincts, starting with the transformation of Flinders Lane between Swanston and Degraves streets.
The footpath will continue seamlessly into the roadway at one level, with bluestone pavers installed and greenery added by Spring 2026.
Council will invest $250,000 to explore similar projects to boost business and visitation in the retail core – such as extending the iconic Bourke Street Mall.
“We’re making our roads safer for everyone who uses them, with $14.7 million for new road safety initiatives, footpath renewal and cycling infrastructure,” said Lord Mayor Reece.
This includes protected bike lanes on Exhibition Street, progressing the next stage of works on Queensberry Street and Rathdowne Street, and advancing design and community engagement for future lanes on Queens Bridge Street and Flinders Street.
“A cleaner city means a safer, more welcoming place for everyone – and this draft Budget invests $34.3 million to keep Melbourne’s streets clean and well maintained,” said the city’s leader.
“We’ll get on with the job of removing graffiti, picking up litter, and keeping rubbish and recycling services running smoothly across our neighbourhoods.”
With increased funding, the Council’s Clean Team now operates around the clock – targeting more than 130,000 square metres of graffiti each year, the equivalent of more than five MCGs.
“Melburnians deserve to feel safe wherever they are – whether they’re heading to work, enjoying a night out or walking home,” said Safety and Cleaning portfolio head, Councillor Rafael Camillo.
“We’re proud to be doubling the number of Community Safety Officers and expanding our Safe City Camera network, making Melbourne safer for everyone.”
“This budget responds to what the community has asked for – a visible safety presence in our city and continued efforts towards improving the wellbeing of Melburnians – making our city a world-class capital.”
The Council is also proposing the roll out of a new food and garden organics (FOGO) service to high-rise apartment buildings in a bid to reduce waste.
Feedback on the draft Budget 2026–27 can be provided on Participate Melbourne from 6pm on Tuesday 31 March until 6pm on Tuesday 28 April.
