Northern Councils Alliance introduced its Strategic Plan 2022-2026 for regional advocacy and another document, Advocacy Priorities 2022-2023, to accommodate the growing population of northern Melbourne.
The Strategic Plan 2022-2023 and Advocacy Priorities 2022-2023 are collaborative efforts to determine strategic priorities across four areas, including the Mitchell Shire and City of Whittlesea councils.
Melbourne’s north is one of the fastest growing regions in Australia.
The plans outline initiatives for transport connectivity, precinct development, business and employment growth, access to education and health services, future-proofing economic and social development, and ensuring equality and liveability.
The next step for the Northern Councils Alliance is advocating to federal and state governments for support and funding to develop the identified goals.
Mitchell Shire Council Mayor Bill Chisholm shared his input on the strategic plans, highlighting family violence and transport as two areas that needed to be addressed to support Mitchell Shire.
“Our region records unacceptably high levels of family violence. We urgently need better support to end family violence in our communities and increase early intervention to support children and young people’s wellbeing,” Cr Chisholm said.
“Population growth has not been matched with the necessary investment in transport infrastructure and so, over the years, our region has experienced massive road congestion and delays in connecting between transport options. This limits access to employment, education and health services.”
City of Whittlesea chair administrator Lydia Wilson was concerned about precincts and electric vehicles, and said they were developments that would connect Whittlesea residents in the future.
“Development of our key precincts as employment, industry and activity locations, linking to health and education facilities, will be essential in terms of future regional development. Efficient connectivity will be key to their success and there should be a focus on sustainability,” Ms Wilson said.
“Electric vehicles are important to help our communities transition to lower carbon lifestyles. We are currently undertaking a regional, community-wide electric vehicle transition plan and we require government support for its implementation.”
To view the Strategic Plan 2022-2026 and Advocacy Priorities 2022-2023, people can visit www.northerncouncils.org.au.
