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. 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.
The State election is a key opportunity to advocate for investment and policy settings that respond to Glen Eira’s growing population, limited open space, ageing infrastructure and increasing cost pressures on local services. Council’s 2026 State election advocacy builds on previous election outcomes and focuses on securing practical, place‑based solutions that improve liveability and support long‑term community resilience.
Ahead of the 2026 election, Council is advocating for:
- New and upgraded open space, sporting and community infrastructure to address low open space provision and growing participation
- Safer, more accessible transport connections around activity centres, stations and pedestrian environments
- Upgrades to ageing community facilities and local roads that support inclusion and community use
- Stronger partnerships with the Victorian Government to respond to housing growth, climate impacts and rising service demand
Council is committed to working constructively with all candidates and parties, regardless of political affiliation, to ensure Glen Eira’s priorities are understood and reflected in State government commitments.
What we advocated for
On 17 March 2026, Council unanimously adopted its 2026 state election priority projects for the state electorates of Bentleigh, Caulfield and Oakleigh.
Bentleigh electorate
Bentleigh GECC 2026 State Election Advocacy Priorities
Glen Eira City Council’s 2026 State election priorities for the Bentleigh electorate focus on delivering new and upgraded open space, modern community and sporting facilities, and improved local streetscapes. Key projects include the new Porter Road neighbourhood park, upgrades to Mackie Road Reserve and the H.R. Stephens Pavilion at Bailey Reserve, and streetscape improvements along Centre Road.
Caulfield electorate
Caulfield GECC 2026 State Election Advocacy Priorities
Glen Eira City Council’s 2026 State election priorities for the Caulfield electorate seek Victorian Government investment to deliver new open space at the former Elsternwick Club, progress a future Elsternwick Community Hub, upgrade Glen Huntly Park Pavilion, improve access at Caulfield Park, and deliver the Elsternwick Green Link.
Oakleigh electorate
Oakleigh GECC 2026 State Election Advocacy Priorities
Glen Eira City Council’s 2026 State election priorities for the Oakleigh electorate seek Victorian Government investment to deliver new neighbourhood open space at Ames Avenue (Rosstown), revitalise Koornang Road, upgrade Carnegie Library and community sport facilities, and improve pedestrian safety in Murrumbeena.
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.
During the election, Council advocated for its Federal Advocacy Priorities for each electorate, which were endorsed by Council on 4 February 2025. Through the 2025 federal election, Council secured $900,000 in funding for the upgrade of the Bailey Reserve Softball Pavilion, enabling improvements that support inclusion, safety and the continued growth of local softball and community sport.
Council’s federal election advocacy focused on securing essential funding and support to enhance community open spaces and improve safety. Priority projects included revitalising the Elsternwick Club, Porter Road Open Space and the Rosstown Aged Care (Ames Avenue) community site, as well as improving safety and connections at Queens Avenue, Carnegie Library and the Eat Street carpark. These priorities align with Glen Eira City Council’s core objectives of increasing access to high‑quality open space and ensuring safe, welcoming environments for all.
Glen Eira has one of the lowest amounts of open space per capita in metropolitan Melbourne — just 1.3 hectares per 1,000 residents. With more than 86 sporting clubs using Council‑owned facilities, demand continues to grow, particularly as clubs adapt to contemporary standards under the Gender Equality Act. Housing and population growth further highlight the urgent need for additional passive open space.
Over the past four years, Council has invested more than $27 million in acquiring private land for future open space. Through the federal election campaign, Council sought partnerships across government to help transform these sites into vibrant, welcoming community spaces. Council’s 2023 community engagement program confirmed that parks, gardens, playgrounds and open spaces remain among the most valued local services.
Beyond open space, Council also advocated for improvements to community safety and inclusion. Key infrastructure priorities focused on removing barriers to access, encouraging social connection and supporting safer, more connected neighbourhoods with long‑term social, economic and environmental benefits.
Council also advocated for broader policy reform priorities, including community safety, climate action and housing solutions.
More details on federal advocacy for each electorate:
