President's column
Congratulations to Prime Minister Morrison on his victory in the federal election and continuation as Prime Minister after a long campaign that culminated in the 18 May vote. The Prime Minister and the yet to be named incoming Minister for Local Government have the best wishes of councils across Australia as they resume the task+
ACT becomes first Australian jurisdiction to declare climate emergency
The ACT Legislative Assembly on 16 May became the first Australian jurisdiction to pass a motion declaring the country was in “a state of climate emergency that requires urgent actions across all levels of Government.” The motion, proposed by Greens MLA and ACT Minister for Climate Change and Sustainability, Shane Rattenbury, also called on the+
Melbourne transport strategy to prioritise walking, public transport and bicycles
The City of Melbourne’s Draft Transport Strategy 2030 sets goals of becoming Australia’s bicycling capital, prioritising walking and public transport, and restricting private vehicle movements to lower the city’s emissions. Released for public comment in early May, the document also proposes widening many footpaths to reduce overcrowding, building more than 50km of protected bicycle lanes,+