What do we want Melbourne to be known for in 2050? What do we need to do now to get there?

Over 10 weeks from 19 March to 31 May, we invited anyone with an interest in the future of our city to consider these questions and share their aspirations and ideas. This was the first phase of engagement with our community and stakeholders to develop the M2050 Vision and Council Plan (2025-2029).

The Melbourne 2050 Vision will set a 25-year blueprint for the type of global capital city we want Melbourne to be. The Council Plan will set Council’s priorities for the next four-year term (2025-2029) - guiding the work that will help us achieve the long-term vision.

Community input is a critical part of the process, ensuring we build a meaningful vision and identity for everyone who cares about our city’s future.

The first phase of engagement ran from 19 March to 31 May 2025. We offered a range of opportunities to participate:

• an online survey
• the M2050 Summit, a major event hosted by the Lord Mayor
• two bespoke roundtables to elevate young people and First Nations voices
• a People’s Panel.

The insights gathered will inform a draft M2050 Vision and a suite of draft strategic Council plans that we’ll share for community feedback in August and September this year. Follow the project to stay informed of future opportunities to help shape this important work.

We consistently heard rich insights throughout the engagement process, revealing a strong alignment to key themes. This has provided a clear mandate for Council in planning for a future in line with community aspirations and priorities.

People told us they want a future Melbourne that is:

• Accessible, with affordable housing, services, food systems, transport and education.
• Connected and intercultural.
• Country-centred, connected to First Nations culture, knowledge and systems.
• Exciting and engaging with arts, entertainment and creativity.
• Full of opportunity and choice - fostering business, nurturing new ideas and unlocking creativity and collaboration.
• Future-focused with an emphasis on regeneration principles.
• Green, with parks, open spaces and greenery across buildings and streets.
• Health and wellbeing-focused.
• People-first design.
• Safe and welcoming with fair leadership, governance and democracy.

See the Engagement Summary Report below for more detail on each of the engagement activities.

The insights from the first phase of engagement provide a strong understanding of community aspirations for the city. These insights will help inform strategic priorities, directions and actions for Council’s key strategic planning and long-term vision.

The project team will work with Councillors and teams across the organisation to develop four interconnected draft strategic plans:

• M2050 Vision
• Council Plan 2025-2029 (incorporating the Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan)
• Long-term Asset Plan
• 10-Year Financial Plan

Community consultation on these draft documents will be open in August 2025. Following this consultation phase, we will develop final versions of each plan for Council endorsement in October 2025.