Locals in Melbourne’s south are being encouraged to share their ideas on how to improve their community in the first of three forums to be hosted by the Andrews Labor Government’s Southern Metropolitan Partnership.
Minister for Suburban Development Marlene Kairouz said the forum will build on conversations from last year’s assembly where transport, jobs for young people and mental health were identified as top priorities.
The forum will look to find local solutions to issues which will see the region better connected to services and to each other.
The Southern Metropolitan Partnership has already worked towards addressing mental health in the region, investing in a Social Isolation and Mapping Project, exploring the impact of gaps in transport connectivity and barriers to accessing jobs, education and services.
The Southern region is the largest of Melbourne’s six Metropolitan Partnership regions, with one million residents across a demographically and geographically diverse area.
The Metropolitan Partnerships offers a way for local communities to speak directly with state and local governments, and to advise the Labor Government of their top priorities.
The Southern Metropolitan Partnership will use this year’s feedback to inform its annual independent advice to government later this year.
Two further forums will be held in the region, with one in Mornington on 9 October and one in Cardinia on 15 October 2019.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Suburban Development Marlene Kairouz
“The Andrews Labor Government is committed to ensuring the challenges and opportunities experienced in metropolitan Melbourne are met now and into the future – with the input of those who experience them firsthand.”
“Local communities are best placed to understand the priorities of their region and that’s why we’re backing the Southern Metropolitan Partnership’s involvement of community members for open and frank discussions.”
Quote attributable to Southern Metropolitan Partnership Chair Dr Elizabeth Deveny
“The Southern Metropolitan Partnership is committed to bringing the voice of local communities into government decision-making. We welcome our community members, State and Local Government representatives to this great event to discuss the Southern region’s priorities”.
Reviewed 19 August 2020