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Background

Footscray is one of Melbourne’s most vibrant centres, celebrated for its diversity, food, culture and creativity.

Like many busy urban centres, the precinct also faces challenges. Perceptions of safety, visible social needs in public spaces, and the impact of vacant or underused development sites and shopfronts affect the way people experience the CBD.

In response to growing concerns about public safety and wellbeing, Council has been working closely with Victoria Police and local services to reduce anti-social behaviour and improve safety in the area.

Over the past year, more than 100 local law patrols have taken place through the CBD.

In April and May 2025, a trader-led trial of additional safety measures was strongly backed by local businesses and has shaped a broader six-month program designed to improve safety and confidence in the area.

Council has also established a Multi-Agency Homelessness Response Group to strengthen collaboration across health, housing, and support services in Maribyrnong.

These immediate steps, alongside other investments outlined below, are helping to shape a CBD that is safe, welcoming and reflective of Footscray's growing community.

Ongoing work in the Footscray CBD

Council's operational work in the Footscray CBD will continue around five key priorities:
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  • Safety and amenity

    Enhancing Safety, visibility and comfort through improved lighting, public presence, and day-to-day coordination across key locations.

  • Community support and inclusion

    Improving how local services work together, while shaping public spaces that support belonging and participation.

  • Economic development, activation and experience

    Activating shopfronts and streetscapes by working with landlords, traders and creatives to bring new uses and activity into the precinct.

  • Public realm

    Upgrading streets and public spaces with improvements to lighting, footpaths, seating and greening to create a more attractive and accessible environment.

  • Partnerships and coordination

    Aligning work across Council, services, government and community to deliver coordinated actions and lasting outcomes.

Current Projects

At the 22 July 2025 meeting, Council voted to engage a private security firm for a six-month period to work closely with Council's Local Laws officers for 24 hours per week. The aim is to help support a visibile presence in the area and assist with de-escalating issues as they arise.

You can view the 22 July 2025 Council meeting and the Council Report on our website.

The six-month program has now commenced and we would like to hear your ideas and thoughts on how we can continue to improve safety in the Footscray CBD.

As we start this important piece of work, we have created an ideas wall where you can share your idea, like or comment on other ideas made by residents, local businesses and users of the Footscray CBD.

This will help inform future work in this space, including an ongoing Action Plan for the area.

In September 2025, Council endorsed the Footscray CBD Place Plan, developed in response to current challenges and future opportunities. The Footscray CBD Place Plan sets out a practical program of works to strengthen safety, amenity, activation, and coordination across the CBD. It is a living document designed to evolve through ongoing engagement and cross-sector collaboration.

The first year of the Plan includes a $2.4 million investment in the public realm, with initiatives already in motion to improve lighting, upgrade wayfinding signage, renew CCTV systems, expand street cleaning and maintenance, and introduce a Security Guard Program aimed at boosting safety and public confidence. Council will also continue to support trader associations and community events to further activate the precinct, while enhancing coordination of local service responses to homelessness.

Further information is available on our website

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Share your ideas here

Got a question for us?

Contact Us

Have questions or want to learn more about a project:

Contact Information
Name Footscray Revitalisation Team
Phone 0401 327 331
Email Luke.OConnor@maribyrnong.vic.gov.au