Finally a good news story in regards to ongoing active transport funding – that’s long been a issue to getting infrastructure planned and built across inner Melbourne.
The Age: Motorists to pay for pedestrian crossings, bike paths with congestion charge (19 November 2025) “The government was able to pass the bill after Treasurer Jaclyn Symes agreed to a request from the Greens to hive off $15 million a year to put into projects that encourage walking and cycling. The funds will be distributed to the five inner-city councils where the levy applies: Melbourne, Merri-bek, Port Phillip, Stonnington and Yarra. Victorian Greens leader Ellen Sandell said the funds would make walking, riding and public transport safer and more accessible. “We need better infrastructure to make active transport a safe and accessible choice,” she said.” Read more.
The Greens have secured $150 million over the next decade for active transport across 5 councils in Melbourne. The Cities of Melbourne, Yarra, Stonnington, Port Philip and Merri-Bek will all receive the funding. Thanks to the Greens MPs in Victorian Parliament, for the first time, the state government will be required under law to share a proportion of the congestion levy with local councils, bringing in a $15m yearly boost to councils for active and sustainable transport projects like bike lanes and accessible access to train stations each year. Spending a portion of the expanded congestion levy on active transport has also been independently backed by Infrastructure Victoria.
“Merri-bek BUG are very happy to see this funding secured for active transport. Making active transport safer and more accessible to more people has so much impact; from happier, healthier and more connected communities to easing congestion and reducing transport emissions” said Merri-bek Bicycle Users Group spokesperson, Faith Hunter. Read more.
From Bicycle Network: Active transport funding boost (20 November 2025) “Melbourne’s inner councils will have $15 million more funding for bike projects each year following amendments to the Victorian Congestion Levy legislation. When Parliament was considering changes to the levy rate and geographical coverage this week, the Greens proposed further changes that would modify the way the funds were disbursed. Currently most of the money disappears into the state government coffers, with only the City of Melbourne receiving a token share. Amendments adopted in Parliament this week will in the future allocate a proportion of funds raised to each of the five inner councils for spending specifically on active transport projects.” Read more.
