Templestowe Infrastructure Funding Referendum to Shape Construction Jobs and City Services

The Templestowe infrastructure funding referendum, scheduled for 15 July, asks residents to approve a bond measure that would release 42 million dollars for designated capital projects. The measure appears as Question 3 on the ballot and would authorise the city finance department to issue bonds repaid through existing property tax revenues over 15 years. Passage would trigger immediate procurement for three road segments and one transit station expansion listed in the 2026 capital improvement plan.

Employment and project timelines

Local hiring provisions in the enabling ordinance require contractors to fill at least 35 percent of positions with Templestowe residents who hold current trade certifications. The projects include resurfacing of Elm Street between the river bridge and the industrial park, replacement of the Maple Avenue water main, and platform lengthening at the central transit hub. City procurement records show these sites have been on deferred maintenance lists since the 2023 pavement condition survey rated 28 percent of arterial roads as poor or failed.

Residents who work in building trades or rely on public transit would see the most direct effects. Construction firms already registered with the city vendor portal have submitted preliminary bids that project 180 full-time positions during the peak 2027 construction window. Transit riders on Route 12 would gain five-minute reductions in average wait times once the station platform work concludes, according to the operations modelling released with the referendum guide.

Budget allocation and service continuity

The referendum guide published by the Templestowe elections office on 2 July allocates 22 million dollars to streets and bridges, 12 million dollars to transit infrastructure, and 8 million dollars to community facility upgrades. These figures match line items in the city manager’s 2027 proposed budget that would otherwise remain unfunded without voter approval. Facility upgrades target the north district library branch and two recreation centres whose HVAC systems are scheduled for replacement under the 2025 facilities assessment.

Ballot materials state that the measure does not increase the property tax rate but extends the repayment period already in place for prior bonds. The city clerk’s office will mail voter information pamphlets to all registered addresses by 10 July. Early voting opens 8 July at the municipal centre and continues through 14 July. Final certification of results is due by 22 July under the municipal election code.