Merri-bek City Council to Vote on Major Transport Plan and Heat Support Measures Today

Merri-bek City Council to Convene for Key Votes on Transport and Climate Resilience

As Melbourne faces a day of heightened environmental risk with a declared Total Fire Ban, the Merri-bek City Council is scheduled to meet tonight, Wednesday, 11 February 2026, to deliberate on several significant policy items. The ordinary meeting, held at the Coburg Civic Centre, will focus on a new four-year transport strategy and immediate measures to support residents during extreme weather events.

Transport and Infrastructure: The Moving Around Merri-bek Plan

A primary highlight of tonight’s agenda is the proposed adoption of the final "Moving Around Merri-bek Action Plan 2025-2029." This comprehensive strategy is designed to guide the council’s investment in local infrastructure over the coming years, with a focus on improving safety for pedestrians, cyclists, and public transport users. The plan follows an extensive period of community consultation and aims to address growing congestion and safety concerns in inner-northern suburbs such as Brunswick, Coburg, and Pascoe Vale.

Closely related to transport concerns is a notice of motion regarding Sydney Road. As one of Melbourne’s most prominent and busiest shopping strips, any proposed changes to traffic flow, bike lanes, or parking on Sydney Road remain a subject of intense local interest. Councillors are expected to discuss future advocacy and potential safety upgrades for this vital commercial corridor.

Climate Response and Community Support

The meeting coincides with a Total Fire Ban declared by the Country Fire Authority (CFA) for the Central district, which includes the entire metropolitan Melbourne area. CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan has warned of extreme fire weather today, citing low humidity and gusty winds that could create dangerous conditions across the state.

Reflecting these immediate environmental pressures, the council will consider an agenda item specifically focused on enhancing community support during periods of extreme heat. Proposed measures include the formalization of protocols for "cooling centers" within public libraries and community hubs, as well as targeted outreach programs for vulnerable residents who may be at significant risk during current and future heatwaves.

Financial Oversight and Civic Arts

In addition to social and infrastructure policies, the council will review its financial standing with the presentation of the 2025-2026 Second Quarter Financial Report. This document outlines the municipality’s performance against its annual budget and provides a performance report for the first year of the current Council Action Plan.

Other notable items for tonight’s session include:

• Deliberation on a new Pride Civic Artwork intended to celebrate local diversity and inclusion.
• A review of the municipal Public Art Policy to streamline the commission and maintenance of future installations.
• Confidential discussions regarding the employment matters and performance of the Chief Executive Officer.

Meeting Attendance and Accessibility

The Merri-bek City Council meeting is scheduled to begin at 6:30 PM. While members of the public are permitted to attend in person at the Council Chamber in Coburg, seating is limited and priority is given to those who have registered for public question time. For those unable to attend in person, the session will be broadcast live via the council’s official website and social media channels, ensuring transparency in local decision-making.