Welcome to this week’s update on some of our recent projects and continued work in making a better and safer community.
We held the City Futures Directorate event in early August at Springvale City Hall, where the team took time to come together as a group and celebrate some of their past financial year achievements by way of a team trivia event.
The event also included a presentation on Capital Works and Major Projects Update including:
The year that was-
- 24/25FY budget of $122.5M.
- Revised to $98M at mid-year budget in January 2025.
- Total spend of $75.3M comprising $59.9M (works already complete); and $15.4M committed (contracts awarded and works underway).
- Current works complete and underway equates to 77% of the revised mid-year budget of $98M.
The year ahead-
- $119.9 million in community facilities and infrastructure.
- Includes $106.3 million to renew and upgrade the city’s existing $2.6 billion community assets.
- $13.53 million for new and expanded assets.
- Continued investment in active reserves, passive open space, signage, lighting and fencing.
Glass Bin Implementation
All councils are required to implement a fourth (glass) bin by 1 July 2027. We have commenced planning, which includes developing a detail rollout plan, communications and engagement plan, and financial, resource and procurement planning.
We will work with DEECA to understand the state government requirements and have also commenced engaging with various teams across Council that will be involved.
Master Plan for Lois Twohig Reserve
Officers have developed a draft master plan for the Lois Twohig Reserve which has been developed based on previous community feedback and the needs and opportunities identified for the reserve. It was recently out for community consultation and some of the key changes include replacing the unused tennis courts with a full sized multi court, improving the petanque facilities, a new playground and a new consolidated pavilion.
New Planning Policy Framework
The State Government have provided the final version of the new Planning Policy Framework which will replace the current state and local policy sections of the planning scheme. Officers are currently finalising their review of this, and it is then hoped that the Minister for Planning will formally include it in the Greater Dandenong Planning Scheme in the next few months.
Statutory Planning
Statutory Planning has received a significant development application for the site at 265 Dandenong-Hastings Road, Dandenong South, with an estimated cost of works of $87.5 million. The proposal involves the construction of three buildings containing eight warehouses as part of Stage One of a four-stage development. Once fully completed, the development is expected to deliver a range of new employment opportunities, contributing positively to the economic growth and industrial capacity of the city.
Harmony Square Letters
Letters spelling ‘Harmony Square’ have been designed and fabricated to adorn the lawn of Harmony Square. An improvement on the previous letters utilised at this location, these have been constructed from steel and include mounting points to enable ongoing curation and activation opportunities.
We have partnered with WAYSS to deliver a series of creative workshops that explore the themes of homelessness. The artwork has been developed from several inputs of the workshop in collaboration with graphic design finalised by POP Creative Collective.
Parklet in Buckingham Avenue
This project is an initial step in realising long-term vision for Buckingham Avenue as developed through extensive consultation as part of Springvale Revitalisation Action Plan (SRAP). Engagement will target street level traders, Springvale Shopping Centre body corporate and SABA. Engagement will record concerns raised but is not seeking design input. Installation is expected to be in late 2025.
Keep Australia Beautiful Victoria 2025 Tidy Towns and Cities - Sustainability Awards
We have been shortlisted as a finalist in the Litter category for our 'Bin it or Take it Home with you! Community Engagement and Awareness Campaign'. As part of the next phase of the selection process, we will be invited to attend a 20-minute online judging interview. This interview will take place in the next few weeks and will provide an opportunity for the panel of judges to dive deeper into our entry, gain valuable insights and evaluate the impact of our project.
Community Planting Days
To celebrate National Tree Day 2025, we hosted two community planting days on Saturday 26 July at Tirhatuan Park and Sunday 27 July at Somerfield Reserve. These planting days are part of our ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship, community engagement and increasing urban biodiversity.
The planting days were well attended by local residents, community groups and volunteers. Our Parks team coordinated the events, with activities including a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony led by the Bunurong Land Council, planting activities, wildlife displays, free BBQ lunches and native plant giveaways.
Sanjay Manivasagasivam, Executive Director City Futures