Lord Mayor Nick Reece and running mate Roshena Campbell pledges cost of living relief

Lord Mayor Nick Reece is promising to ease financial pressures and put money back in the pockets of Melburnians if he’s elected to the top job later this year.

Lord Mayor Nick Reece is promising to put money back in the pockets of Melburnians if he’s elected to the top job later this year.

The Sunday Herald Sun can exclusively reveal that Mr Reece and his running mate councillor Roshena Campbell have pledged to ease financial pressures across the City of Melbourne if they win the mayoral election in October.

Their policy includes freezing rates for one year and on-street parking fees for four years. They will also halve the price of residents’ first parking permit and make pet registrations free.

They have also promised to reduce the cost of hiring outdoor sporting grounds by 50 per cent.

The Urgent Cost of Living Relief Package will cost $29.2m over four years.

Nick Reece with his dogs Banjo and Ziggy and Roshena Campbell with her dog Peanut promise to make pet registrations free if elected. Picture: Josie Hayden

Mr Reece said the package would put money back into the pockets of those who need it most.

“This isn’t just about numbers on a balance sheet, it’s about supporting our community and helping Melbourne thrive,” he said.

“I’ve spoken with many residents and business owners, and the message from all of them is clear: they need real, tangible relief right now, and this is what our package will deliver.

“We have a plan to help with rates relief, energy costs, housing pressures, and every day costs associated with owning a pet or visiting the local pool – this has been designed to provide assistance where it’s needed most.”

Mr Reece and Roshena Campbell have pledged to ease financial pressures across the City of Melbourne. Picture: David Smith

It’s the latest policy to be unveiled by the pair – they have previously unveiled a $14m policy to double the number of CCTV cameras across the city by 2026 by installing 200 more in the CBD and inner-city areas – such as Southbank, Docklands and Carlton.

Cr Campbell said: “While local government isn’t responsible for the cost-of-living crisis, we must do all we can to ease the pressure facing our residents and traders.”

“When I meet with business owners across our city, they tell me that a rate and parking freeze would make a real difference to them and their customers, she said.

“We’re listening and we will deliver that relief.”