The way forward > Working across Government

Just as the development of Melbourne 2030 has been informed by whole-of-government objectives and strategies, so its implementation will involve working across government. A comprehensive approach is needed to achieve integrated and sustainable results. Traditional sectoral and program boundaries in policy and project delivery must not be allowed to impede coordinated efforts by different agencies.

The ‘big-ticket’ infrastructure decisions of State and Commonwealth governments, such as freeways, airports, universities and major civic facilities, have a powerful shaping effect on urban areas.

Already, the Western Ring Road has spurred considerable industrial and transport-related growth in the western suburbs, and the new museum in Carlton Gardens has reinforced the primacy of Central Melbourne. New projects such as the Scoresby Integrated Transport Corridor, the Craigieburn Bypass, and fast rail links to regional cities are likely to have a similar impact. The Scoresby project will generate additional business activity in the east of metropolitan Melbourne, based on improved accessibility, while the fast rail links to regional centres will encourage the growth of regional towns and cities. Growth area planning and Transit Cities projects are in a similar category and will require improved levels of coordination.

The Government has sound mechanisms to assess major infrastructure projects and programs. Using Melbourne 2030 will result in a better alignment of major investment in facilities such as new hospitals, regional parks and other community services with desired spatial outcomes. This will be done through existing budget and corporate planning processes and will affect the way in which departments and agencies present their proposals to the Government. Program initiatives should be assessed against the objectives of Melbourne 2030.