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Minister's Forum with Metropolitan Councils

On 22 April 2009, the Minister for Planning, the Honourable Justin Madden MLC, met at Docklands with over 100 representatives from Melbourne’s metropolitan councils, as well as representatives from local government peak bodies. This Forum was convened by the Minister to discuss how the Victorian Government and metropolitan councils can best work together to maintain Melbourne's liveability in the face of predicted population growth.

The Forum
While acknowledging the many competing demands facing councils, the Minister emphasised the importance for local government to strategically address Melbourne’s anticipated growth in population and households. Councils were encouraged to work together, along with State Government, to meet these challenges.

The Minister stressed his commitment to a collaborative approach to ensure that Melbourne remains liveable, sustainable and affordable. The Minister urged councils to join with him in working to get the best results for Victoria and Melbourne, and in this way for their local communities too.

Three presentations from senior departmental officers outlined more specifically how future population growth could be accommodated, addressing:

• Housing numbers and diversity
• Strategic locations for housing development
• Planning systems to support housing growth and jobs

Subsequent table discussions focussed on determining the role and requirements of councils in managing Melbourne’s growth. Along with the subsequent panel conversation, these discussions identified a range of issues for councils and the Victorian Government.

For an overview of the speeches, presentations and topics discussed, download the Outcomes Report from this event:

Outcomes Report - Ministers Forum with Metropolitan Councils - 22 April (DOC - 1.0 MB)

After his speech, the Minister takes questions from the floor.	Table discussion	The Minister in conversation with council representatives.