State and federal election campaigns are an important opportunity for Council to advocate on behalf of our community and secure investment in local priorities. Through election advocacy, we work with all candidates — regardless of political party — to progress projects and policy reforms that improve liveability, safety and access to services across Glen Eira.
Election advocacy
It’s a chance for the community to raise awareness of the local projects or policy reforms which would make a positive impact in Glen Eira. By advocating for funding before and during election campaigns, we help candidates from all political parties to understand our City’s priorities.
At the 2022 federal and state elections, Council’s advocacy secured $21 million in new funding for local projects. Building on this success, Council’s federal election advocacy for the 2025 election secured $900,000 in funding commitments for priority community infrastructure and services.
Victorian State election advocacy
The next Victorian State election will be held in November 2026.
We’re advocating to all candidates on the issues that matter most to our community — safer streets, more green space, thriving shopping strips, inclusive facilities and stronger support for people doing it tough.
In the Victorian Parliament, Glen Eira is represented by the electorates of Bentleigh, Caulfield and Oakleigh, and the Southern Metropolitan Region in the Legislative Council. Not sure which electorate you're in? View the Victorian Electoral Commission's electoral boundary maps.
Our 2026 State election advocacy focuses on securing practical, place‑based solutions that improve liveability and support community resilience.
Ahead of the 2026 Victorian State election, we are advocating for:
-
More parks, open space and community facilities to help meet growing demand and improve health, wellbeing and social connection.
-
Safer and better-connected neighbourhoods, with improved walking and cycling connections and safer access around activity centres and train stations.
-
Upgrades to ageing community and sporting facilities so more people can take part in local sport and recreation.
-
Stronger partnerships with the Victorian Government to respond to housing growth, climate impacts and increasing demand for local services.
We are committed to working constructively with all candidates — no matter their political party — to ensure Glen Eira’s priorities are understood and reflected in decisions that deliver the greatest benefit to our community.
What we're advocating for
Bentleigh electorate
Our priorities for Bentleigh include:
-
Delivering a new neighbourhood park in Porter Road, Bentleigh.
-
Progressing the next stage of the Mackie Road Reserve Masterplan in Bentleigh East, including a new play space.
-
Upgrading the pavilion at Bailey Reserve in Bentleigh East.
-
Improving streetscapes along Centre Road in Bentleigh to create a safer and greener activity centre.
Click here to download the Bentleigh State Election Advocacy Priorities: Bentleigh GECC 2026 State Election Advocacy Priorities (PDF, 10.5MB)
Caulfield electorate
Our priorities for Caulfield include:
-
Transforming the former Elsternwick Club site in Elsternwick into much needed public open space.
-
Funding to develop plans for a future Elsternwick Community Hub in Elsternwick, to provide early childhood, family support and wellbeing programs in one multi-use space.
-
Delivering the Elsternwick Green Link to create safer walking and cycling connections in Elsternwick.
Click here to download the Caulfield State Election Advocacy Priorities: Caulfield GECC 2026 State Election Advocacy Priorities (PDF, 12.3MB)
Oakleigh electorate
Our priorities for Oakleigh include:
-
Delivering a new neighbourhood park in Ames Avenue Carnegie.
-
Revitalising Koornang Road in Carnegie to create a safer and more accessible activity centre.
-
Support to develop plans for future upgrades to Carnegie Library and Community Centre.
-
Delivering new female friendly community sporting facilities at Bute Street, Murrumbeena.
Click here to download the Oakleigh State Election Advocacy Priorities: Oakleigh GECC 2026 State Election Advocacy Priorities (PDF, 14.6MB)
Candidate overview
For more information on the candidates contesting the Bentleigh, Caulfield and Oakleigh electorates and the Southern Metropolitan Region, visit the Victorian Electoral Commission's website.
Bentleigh
To be announced
Caulfield
To be announced
Oakleigh
To be announced
Southern Metropolitan Region
To be announced
Alongside our local project priorities, we advocate for policy reforms that help create a safer, more inclusive and sustainable Glen Eira. These broader priorities focus on the programs, funding models and government policies that shape everyday life for our community.
Policy advocacy priorities
Alongside major infrastructure projects, Council is advocating for State Government policy and program support to strengthen safe, inclusive and resilient communities in Glen Eira. Key policy priorities include a coordinated local homelessness response, programs that build social cohesion and prevent harm, investment in early years facilities, improved public transport and active travel, and stronger action on climate resilience, biodiversity and waste reform. Council is also calling for fairer funding arrangements to help local services keep pace with rising demand and costs.
Community engagement
As we look ahead to the 2026 Victorian State election, we will continue to create opportunities for our community to be involved in Council’s advocacy.
Residents can stay informed about our State election priorities, learn more about key local projects, and find ways to show support for the issues that matter most in Glen Eira. Whether through our website, social media or e-newsletters, there will be a range of ways to get involved.
Community participation plays an important role in strengthening Council’s advocacy, helping to ensure our priorities reflect what matters most to our community and supporting positive outcomes for Glen Eira.
Australian federal election advocacy
The most recent federal election was held on Saturday 3 May 2025. Glen Eira is part of the federal electorates of Goldstein, Hotham and Macnamara.
Ahead of the election, we advocated for our Federal Advocacy Priorities, which Council endorsed in February 2025. These priorities focused on securing funding and support for projects that improve community facilities, open space, safety and accessibility across Glen Eira.
Advocacy success
Through our advocacy, we secured $900,000 in Australian Government funding to upgrade the Bailey Reserve Softball Pavilion in Bentleigh East. The project will improve safety and accessibility while supporting the continued growth of community sport.
View our federal election advocacy priorities for each electorate:
