Proposed funding will support the continuation of works on the new civic complex that will see the renovation of the iconic Town Hall building before it is returned to the community, along with a new outdoor open space, for activation and use. A new six-star Green Star civic administration building will also be constructed using leading environmentally sustainable building practices that will lead to lower operating and utilities costs, fewer greenhouse gas emissions and improved health and wellbeing of occupants.

Two new water slides and an interactive aquatic leisure area are being added to the Maribyrnong Aquatic Centre as part of a waterslide and splash park redevelopment, jointly funded by State Government. With $4 million committed in this financial year of the $8 million initiative, the new leisure areas will provide activities for people of all ages and abilities, and will expand on the recently upgraded facilities at the Centre. Funding is proposed to support completion in late 2023.

Funding is proposed to support a range of landscape and amenity works to improve the look and feel of, and accessibility to, the Joseph Road precinct. Works will include fresh landscaping, new subsurface drainage, fresh asphalting of road surfaces, installation of new shared use paths to connect pedestrians and cyclists with Footscray and the Maribyrnong River Trail.

With Harris Street becoming a one-way entry, the plan is to redevelop Cowper Street in Footscray to make it safer and more accessible for all users, with improvements to the road pavement, car parking and line marking. New landscaping, footpaths, public lighting, rainwater gardens and trees are also proposed for the redevelopment which coincides with the Westgate Tunnel’s Project’s new cycling and pedestrian bridge over Whitehall Street which will link Yarraville Gardens and the Maribyrnong River.

Funding is proposed to complete the last of the upgrades to Hansen Reserve in West Footscray – a large recreational open space with sporting fields for AFL and cricket – to complete the implementation of the Reserve Masterplan.

This would include upgrading the pavilion with female-friendly change rooms and toilets, development of a basketball court and skate area, and upgrade playing fields and lighting to improve access and safety.

Additional funding is proposed to support upgrades to the Western Lawn in line with the Footscray Park Master Plan to improve the quality of the current surface and drainage to support a range of cultural recreational and sporting opportunities, to attract a wider audience to value and appreciate the Park.