Climate change, urban growth, economic development and public transport have dominated talks by Mayors from across metropolitan Melbourne when they met today at Melbourne Town Hall.
The Metropolitan Mayors Forum, which represents 31 municipalities, was convened by Melbourne Lord Mayor Robert Doyle to provide a united local government voice on a range of issues facing greater Melbourne now and into the future.
“The Melbourne Metropolitan Mayors network is an important forum to raise issues on a national, state and local level,” the Lord Mayor said.
“Today was an opportunity to discuss how we work with the Federal Government in relation to climate change ahead of the United Nations Climate Change Conference to be held in Copenhagen in December.
“Those who participated in today’s forum believe local government has a critical role to play in mitigating and adapting to climate change. Local government has a range of planning powers. It can influence and it can also invest in measures such as retrofitting buildings to reduce the impacts of carbon emissions across major metropolitan areas.”
The Lord Mayor said it was vital that local government leaders in the metropolitan area had open and frank discussions on subjects such as urban growth, urban intensification and planning issues.
“It is important that we do have a collaborative approach, but there are differing needs of Council areas and this forum allows us to develop proposals,” the Lord Mayor said.
“Together we have a united voice in approaching other tiers of government in highlighting the importance of the city for future economic development and prosperity. We have a common goal of creating employment opportunities, attracting investment and pursuing research and development opportunities to grow Melbourne and the state.
“We intend to ensure that state and federal governments are aware of the issues and challenges facing metropolitan Melbourne, that they are understood and addressed.
“On a state level, there is the challenge of population growth, public transport and urban intensification. We need to work collaboratively to ensure Melbourne remains one of the world’s most livable cities.”
It is envisaged that the Melbourne Metropolitan Mayors Network will provide direct input into federal and state decision making and to other stakeholders as determined by the meeting.
Today’s meeting was represented by 22 Mayors and 24 CEOs. Councils represented at today’s meeting were:
Banyule City Council
Bayside City Council
Boroondara City Council
Brimbank City Council
Casey City Council
Darebin City Council
Frankston City Council
Glen Eira City Council
Hobson's Bay City Council
Hume City Council
Kingston City Council
Knox City Council
Manningham City Council
Maribyrnong City Council
Melbourne City Council
Melton Shire Council
Moonee Valley City Council
Moreland City Council
Mornington Peninsula Shire Council
Nillumbik Shire Council
Port Phillip City Council
Stonnington City Council
Whitehorse City Council
Whittlesea City Council
Wyndham City Council
Yarra City Council