Australia's National Local Government Newspaper Online

Historic meeting of Melbourne Metropolitan Mayors

On 22 February 2006, the City of Melbourne Lord Mayor, John So, hosted the first ever gathering of Melbourne metropolitan mayors. Twenty mayors from across the metropolitan area attended along with Local Government officers and State Government officers from Local Government Victoria. The formation of a Metropolitan Mayors' Network to discuss a range of issues critical to the future success and sustainability of greater Melbourne has resulted from the meeting.

Opened by Local Government Minister, Candy Broad, agenda items also included transport, environmental sustainability, business and trade development and water use.

"Melbourne's municipalities are intrinsically linked and face shared challenges," Lord Mayor John So said. "The Melbourne Metropolitan Mayors Network will act as a catalyst and a network for discussion about the major issues affecting the long term progress of greater Melbourne. These issues include public transport and corridor management, parking, safety, graffiti and crime, public amenity, sustainable development, tourism and major events.

"This network will provide an unparalleled opportunity to come together and combine our ideas, expertise and resources to strategically position our city and enhance Melbourne's global leadership position."

As a starting point for this first meeting, the following Terms of Reference had been developed:

• identify emerging issues and key developments affecting Melbourne's future path
• encourage new thinking and creative responses through collaboration
• leverage critical mass to make coordinated and strategic contributions to state and national debates
• develop a vision for Greater Melbourne which is shared by the Australian Government, State Government, business and the broader community.

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