Sunbury could be a winner under a proposal by Hume City Cllr Sam Misho who wants to create a Local Amenity Fund that would ensure every suburb across the municipality benefits from “visible, on-the-ground improvements”.
The initiative proposes setting aside 10% of the city’s annual rates revenue by ward for local-scale projects such as footpaths, raised crossings, public toilets, lighting upgrades, seating, trees, and accessibility improvements.
The notice of motion, adopted by councillors at their meeting on Monday 13 October, calls for the fund to be considered as part of council’s upcoming budget planning discussions.
Cllr Misho said the fund would give every suburb a fair share of basic community amenities, while maintaining the existing evidence-based approach that guides major capital works.
“While our capital program is driven by need and long-term planning priorities, this will help ensure smaller, everyday projects that make a big difference in local neighbourhoods aren’t overlooked,” Cllr Misho said.
Council officers noted that while the city’s capital works policy prioritises renewal projects and developments under contribution plans, the ideas presented by Cllr Misho provide opportunities to strengthen local amenity and will be explored further during upcoming budget deliberations.
Detailed documentation and project options will be prepared ahead of the November council planning weekend, where councillors will discuss – among other things – how the proposed local amenity fund might be implemented as part of the 2026/27 budget.
