Cardinia Shire Council leaders joined colleagues from other outer Melbourne councils at an event at Parliament House in Spring Street yesterday (Wednesday 16 August) to recognise Interface Week 2023.
Mayor Cr Tammy Radford, Deputy Mayor Cr Jack Kowarzik, CEO Carol Jeffs and General Manager Liveable Communities Lili Rosic attended the event to discuss the unique challenges and opportunities facing Interface Councils and to raise awareness of these issues with state government representatives.
The Interface Councils group is made up of the 10 municipalities that form a ring around metropolitan Melbourne, representing 1.6 million residents living in the outer suburbs. These include Cardinia Shire Council, City of Casey, Hume City Council, Melton City Council, Mitchell Shire Council, Mornington Peninsula Shire Council, Nillumbik Shire Council, City of Whittlesea, Wyndham City Council and Yarra Ranges Shire Council.
The theme for this year’s Interface Week is ‘Outer Suburbs, Not Out of Sight’.
With Melbourne’s outer suburbs accommodating almost 45% of Victoria’s population growth, there is a need for all levels of government to improve and strengthen the coordination and planning of infrastructure, services and job creation in the interface council areas.
Distinguished urban planning expert Dr Marcus Spiller from SGS Economics and Planning spoke at the event, as did the Chair of the Interface Councils, Cardinia Shire Mayor Cr Tammy Radford.
Cr Radford said the interface suburbs were more than just peripheral areas and should be given the same economic opportunities as the rest of Melbourne.
“These suburbs are thriving and vibrant communities that are home to hardworking people, innovative businesses and diverse cultures.
“According to Dr Spiller, the Interface Councils’ population is expected to reach 2.5 million by 2036. Data shows that an average of 3 families are moving into Cardinia Shire every day,” said Cr Radford.
“To keep pace, government at all levels will need to work together on growth management strategies that ensure critical infrastructure and community services are provided.
“Our state will need careful strategic planning, innovative housing and service delivery, road and transport upgrades and improved jobs access to ensure an equitable, inclusive, and prosperous future for Cardinia Shire and its fellow interface municipalities,” Cr Radford said.
