As our population grows and costs rise, we need other levels of government to help fund key projects and remove roadblocks. That’s why we’ve set bold, community-led advocacy priorities for 2025–2026 — shaped by what you’ve told us matters most.

Through surveys, forums, pop-ups and the Community Priorities Panel, you’ve asked us to focus on building safe, supported and inclusive communities. We’ve backed your feedback with evidence and will continue to advocate to the Victorian and Australian Governments to make your voices heard.

Here’s a snapshot of some of our advocacy priorities

Advocating for community wellbeing

• Calling for stronger responses to crime, hate speech and antisemitism.
• Investing in prevention, including community hubs, anti-hate initiatives and programs that reduce gambling harm and support vulnerable residents.
• Proposing a new Elsternwick Community Hub ($2 million for planning) to combine early childhood, family support and wellbeing programs in one place.
• Upgrading shopping strips and streets in Carnegie and Bentleigh, creating mural trails and supporting inclusive placemaking — helping people connect, support local businesses and celebrate Glen Eira’s diversity.

Advocating for responsible growth and clean energy

• Transforming the Elsternwick Club site into a vibrant public space, revitalising Mackie Road Reserve and expanding open spaces in Carnegie and Bentleigh East.
• Modernising libraries and transport networks to support lifelong learning and accessibility.
• Accelerating our shift away from gas, rolling out energy upgrades and expanding our tree canopy through the Urban Forest Strategy. These changes cut emissions, lower bills and help us adapt to climate change.

Advocating for fairer funding and smarter partnerships

Councils manage one-third of the nation’s infrastructure but collect just 3.8% of taxes. That’s not sustainable. We’re advocating for:

• Fairer funding models
• More flexible grants
• A stronger voice in policy decisions that affect our community

View our advocacy priorities here www.gleneira.vic.gov.au/get-involved/advocacy