Leadership and excellence recognised

In May 2009, the City of Melbourne and Sustainability Victoria shared their knowledge and experience of tackling climate change at the C40 Summit in Seoul, South Korea. Melbourne was one of 80 cities to discuss the challenges they faced and highlight sustainability projects such as Melbourne’s innovative 1,200 Buildings program.

The City of Melbourne’s leadership in sustainable water management was recognised in 2008–09 with two Banksia Environmental Foundation Awards. Melbourne’s parks and gardens team won the national Local Government Award for its Managing Drought in the City of Parks project and Director of Design and Urban Environment, Professor Rob Adams AM, received the Prime Minister’s Environmentalist of the Year Award.

The City of Melbourne’s Future Melbourne Community Plan, and the extensive process of consultation that informed the plan, also received recognition in 2008–09, winning the Local Government Award at the Planning Excellence 2008 Victorian Awards and sharing the Planning Institute of Australia’s President’s Award with the City of Sydney.

Leadership in customer service and legislative knowledge in subdivision management was acknowledged when, together with the City of Port Phillip, the City of Melbourne was awarded the Association of Consulting Surveyors Victoria biennial Municipal Excellence Award (2007–08).

However, our leadership is demonstrated by more than awards. In June 2009 the City of Melbourne hosted a discussion with researchers from across Australia and overseas about evidence-based planning and decision-making. More than 90 delegates provided their insights and experience in city-specific research at the City of Melbourne’s inaugural State of the Cities conference.

Supporting business innovation

A healthy business sector is vital to a well-functioning city. In May 2009 the City of Melbourne supported the Victorian Government Koori Business Network’s Yulkuum-Jerrang: 2nd Indigenous Economic Development Conference and trade show with financial and in-kind support. The event provided an opportunity for the Indigenous business community to network and promote their products as well as for the City of Melbourne to promote its work to the Indigenous community.

Small business grants provided by the City of Melbourne in 2008–09 are expected to generate 102 new jobs, $17 million in turnover and more than $2 million in investment. The grants provided up to $30,000 of financial support to each successful applicant and 21 grants were allocated over two funding rounds in October 2008 and June 2009.

Grants included start-up funds for a behind-the-scenes tour of Melbourne’s racing industry, research and development assistance for a company supplying the aerospace and marine industries and expansion of an organic skincare company’s products to an export market.

In 2008–09 student entrepreneurs had the opportunity to demonstrate their business creativity in the City Pillar Challenge. The City of Melbourne partnered with the Australian Academy of Design, Australian Catholic University, RMIT University, Victoria University, William Angliss Institute and the University of Melbourne to offer students the chance to develop and operate a business from one of five news stand pillars. The winning proposals were a hydroponic green wall system and a retail space dedicated to locally-produced products. Melbourne’s next generation of business leaders will bring these ideas to fruition in 2009–10.
In June 2009 Melbourne City Council announced its intention to establish a one-stop-shop model for business development in the city with the establishment of Enterprise Melbourne in 2009–10.