Future Melbourne: readers support mega councils, torn on congestion

THE face of Melbourne would be radically transformed if Herald Sun readers were in charge of the city’s future, with polls showing support for an overhaul of local government and big plans out west.

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MELBOURNE’S 32 councils would be under threat if Herald Sun readers were in charge of the city’s future.

That is the result of a week-long poll on our Future Melbourne special reports into how our town can remain the world’s most liveable.

An idea to abolish the mishmash of metropolitan councils to be replaced with six “partnership” areas received strong support with more than 2500 people voting in favour of the idea.

Support for the west was also strong, where the city’s population is set to have its biggest boom.

Nearly all survey respondents said the western suburbs needed more jobs, schools, housing and hospitals to help secure its future.

And more than 75 per cent thought appointing a minister for the west was the best way to do it.

But Melburnians are torn when it comes to congestion.

While everyone seems to agree it’s an issue, how to solve it and if we would be happy to pay for it had readers vexed, with 55 per cent saying they wouldn’t pay to drive, even if it eased congestion.

PwC infrastructure and urban renewal leader Clara Cutajar said reform would be needed to ensure Melbourne maintained its livability status.

“Melbourne is often voted one of the most liveable cities in the world and it’s pleasing the majority of Melburnians sampled remain positive about how their city will look in the future,” she said.

“But with our increasing population it will put significant pressure on every aspect of our city and all the things about it we love.

“We’re already seeing stress with respect to congestion and housing affordability, and with the Western region growing so quickly, we need to be thinking now about how we will fund the new schools, hospitals and roads we need for these communities in the future.

“It’s time to rethink what underpins a modernised ‘Australian Dream’ and talk through the realities of further densification, the way we travel and how services will be provided now and into the future.”