- $13.4 million for libraries
- $350,000 for data-driven tech projects
- $336,000 for international partnerships
- $300,000 for the Zero Carbon Jobs Cluster
- $198,000 to expand international student services
- $100,000 for business events
The City of Melbourne is setting a new pace for our vibrant knowledge economy – delivering more than $15 million in programs and initiatives to drive innovation, create jobs and shape the economy for the future.
The draft Budget 2023–24 to be released on Tuesday 16 May will focus on local learning, collaboration and innovation – improving the way people live, work and enjoy the city.
Council will create a better library network with $13.4 million for new books, resources and technology, on top of a $30,000 boost for digital literacy and improving access through the Mel-van mobile library.
To ease cost of living pressures, residents will have access to free online learning, technology and wi-fi at all council buildings, as well as free workshops on budget management and one-on-one digital support with librarians.
Work to establish the Zero Carbon Jobs Cluster will ramp up with a $300,000 investment to position Melbourne as a global centre for zero-carbon innovation and execution – creating up to 100,000 jobs.
Council will continue its work to make Melbourne the world’s best student city – expanding international student services, thanks to a $198,000 boost. This will fund employment workshops, a paid internship program and new health and wellbeing initiatives for Melbourne’s 140,300 international students.
Council will continue to back small and big businesses, with $100,000 to support events that promote networking and knowledge sharing, and a further $70,000 for innovation ecosystems to support major conferences and global forums.
In partnership with industry, Council will invest $350,000 for data-driven tech projects – using the latest information to inform the design of infrastructure and events that are even more accessible, safe and inviting.
More of Melbourne’s First Nations culture and history will be shared with the community, with a $270,000 boost for a series of truth-telling events as part of the Mapping Aboriginal Melbourne project.
Council will also invest $336,000 to strengthen international relationships and forge new partnerships to boost the economy and promote cultural diversity.
The draft Budget 2023–24 will be announced on Tuesday 16 May, with public consultation to follow until midnight Thursday 8 June.
Quotes attributable to Lord Mayor Sally Capp
“Melbourne is a city full of innovators and creative minds. We’re delivering this investment to ensure our community has access to the resources and jobs they need to help shape our city’s future.”
“We want Melbourne to be the best place in the world to study and collaborate, which is why we are proud to be investing further in our international student community.”
“Our Zero Carbon Jobs Cluster is set to create up to 100,000 jobs and position Melbourne as a global centre for zero-carbon innovation.”
“This is about shaping a city bursting with ambition and driving innovation – making sure we continue to attract investors, students and talent from around Australia and the globe.”
Quotes attributable to Education and Innovation portfolio lead Councillor Davydd Griffiths
“Melbourne is a proud knowledge city – we’re delivering programs and initiatives to inspire big ideas for Melbourne’s future, while bringing important services closer to home.”
“International students are vital to Melbourne’s economic, social and cultural fabric – contributing $13.7 billion a year to the local economy. We’re working to ensure we can offer an amazing student experience and make Melbourne the world’s best university city.”