VOICES FOR MELBOURNE

Voices for Melbourne, proposes a bold plan to pedestrianise the city centre, revitalising it for shoppers, office workers, and tourists. With the upcoming Metro Tunnel opening, which will improve access to central Melbourne, Voices for Melbourne are campaigning to extend the Bourke Street Mall to Russell Street, enhancing walkability and encouraging outdoor dining by offering free footpath use to businesses. Additionally, the plan includes slowing trams on Swanston Street to 5kph to reduce congestion and improve pedestrian safety, and extending the Elizabeth Street tramline to Flinders Street for better access and street safety of this congested area.

The current structure and electoral provisions of the City of Melbourne Act are undemocratic and result in a gerrymander in favour of big business and non-resident property owners. We will always support residents and local business. On Council we will push for a review by the State Government of those provisions. We will  doggedly advocate for the return of Wards to the municipality. 

Bike lanes are multifunctional; they cater for cycling, food deliveries, skateboarding and e-scooters. They are for micro-mobility options and provide a safe pathway by separating these forms of mobility from roads and cars and footpaths and pedestrians. 

Donations and pledges to candidates vying for election need to be declared, within five working days, and not 40 days after the election result. Candidates should not take donations from developers as this creates a clear conflict of interest if elected to council. Any candidates not currently declaring their donations should be questioned as to why. There should also be public scrutiny on what kinds of ‘in-kind’ deals have been made, other than just the undisclosed cash donations.

Voices for Melbourne will advocate to State and Federal governments on the need for more and better social and affordable housing in our city. Council must contribute resources to the housing needs of vulnerable people. Residents living in public housing should have the right to be involved in decisions impacting on their homes. 

Council can address cost of living pressures by ensuring that rates are spent in support of the most vulnerable and needy in our community whilst ensuring residents and business get real value from council services. 

Council must work with the Victoria Police to ensure safety and security of residents and their homes across the City is a priority. Police presence in our residential areas is needed along with patrols for local business.