The return of public servants, international students and free public transport are key to getting people back to cities including Melbourne, which remains a “ghost town” with occupancy rates stuck at just 4 per cent, the Property Council says in a plan to revitalise the city.

The plan identifies nine key areas to supercharge the city, including a new $50 million fund, the return of public servants to offices three days a week and free public transport for three months plus further concessions next year – a move the Victorian opposition also supports.