Priorities

Ensure the daytime and nighttime economies are serviced so local business is supported in day and night time trading.  Streets and laneways need to be cleaned, and bins emptied and removed from streets for both early morning and night time trading. The city needs to be activated and inviting for workers, tourists and residents.

Establishment of more ‘pocket parks’ and urban greening that is more than tokenistic. Where appropriate, land should be purchased/repurposed for public amenity and developers required to set aside land in their housing developments. 

Review existing service contracts to ensure value for ratepayers money and better operating environments for businesses. Services should deliver clean, green and viable neighbourhoods for residents, visitors and local businesses. Review tenders and KPIs in place. A focus on delivering delivering core services.

Less adversary and conflict between council and state accountability - ensuring council sticks to its turf and delivers. The City of Melbourne Act 2001 is out of date and undemocratic, and results in a gerrymander in favour of big business and non resident property owners: on Council we will demand a review by the State Government of those provisions. We will  continue to call for the return of wards to the municipality. 

Ensuring council is representative of the residents and business owners. Genuine consultation with community and businesses - an ‘open-door’ policy at council with transparency on how decisions are made. A stronger commitment to engaging with the community and ensuring that less business happens behind closed doors.

Revenues from rates spent on delivering outcomes and not just writing reports. Service fees and charges need to better recognise the community's capacity to pay and need to be fair and prudent. Contracts with companies supplying daily and weekly services to residents and local business need to be reviewed to ensure they are fit for purpose.