Politics
Community Investment Referendum Directs Funds to South Melbourne Social Services
The measure would allocate new local revenue to programs that serve families, seniors and job seekers in South Melbourne.
How we reported this
The Community Investment Referendum on the August ballot asks South Melbourne voters to approve a 0.5 percent increase in property rates that would generate dedicated revenue for community services.
The referendum comes after local budget documents showed that existing allocations for social programs have remained flat since 2023 while demand for emergency housing support and youth employment services has risen by 12 percent.
Impacts on Residents and Daily Services
Passage would add $2.5 million each year to the community services budget, according to the measure's fiscal impact statement. That amount is projected to expand operating hours at the South Melbourne Community Centre by four evenings per week and to add 40 new slots in the local job training program that currently serves 320 adults.
Residents who use the centre's food pantry would see an increase in weekly distributions from 850 to 1,100 households. Seniors enrolled in the transport assistance program would gain access to an additional 200 rides per month to medical appointments within the district.
The Productivity Commission has found that similar rate-funded programs in comparable jurisdictions have reduced emergency shelter nights by 8 percent on average. Local advocates note that the new funds would be restricted by ordinance to community services and could not be redirected to other municipal functions.
Timeline and Implementation
If approved, the rate adjustment would take effect on 1 January 2027 and would be reviewed by the South Melbourne Council after three years. The legislation states that an independent audit of expenditures must be published each fiscal year.
Early voting begins on 15 July at the South Melbourne Civic Centre. Results are scheduled to be certified by 10 September.