The interactive portals will feature the latest neighbourhood news and information and connect community members with Council through dedicated Neighbourhood Partners.
The leading initiative is part of the City of Melbourne’s Neighbourhood Model − a new place-based approach designed to help Council connect with, understand and respond to unique communities across the municipality.
The model will ensure a continuous cycle of community engagement, where local knowledge and priorities are translated into action, investment and advocacy.
The CBD and Kensington portals will go live first, with more set to launch later this year for Carlton, North Melbourne, West Melbourne, East Melbourne, Parkville, Docklands, Southbank and South Yarra.
The portals will feature:
• An overview of each neighbourhood, including facts and figures about the area
• An acknowledgement of Traditional Owners and Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung places of significance with an interactive map
• A list of local priorities, community feedback and Council plans in action
• Community news.
To better-support community priorities, Council is also launching a new Connected Neighbourhoods program, which will offer grants of up to $2,000 to bring ideas that benefit the local area to life. Applications open on 1 July.
Quotes attributable to Lord Mayor Sally Capp
“The neighbourhoods in the City of Melbourne are unique, each with their own identity, priorities and aspirations. That’s why we’ve implemented a place-based neighbourhood approach to better understand the individual needs and ideas of people across our vibrant municipality.
“We’re proud to further enhance connections within our communities with the launch of our Neighbourhood Portals, which will be a hub for local information, updates on Council plans in action and good news stories from the local area.
“We look forward to working closely with Melburnians through our Neighbourhood Partners to bring their needs and ideas into fruition.”
Quotes attributable to Health, Wellbeing and Belonging portfolio lead Councillor Dr Olivia Ball
"We're committed to supporting our diverse communities and working alongside them to understand and act on their priorities.
"Our new Connected Neighbourhoods grant program will support locals to take action, lead change and create positive connections to benefit the whole community."