Outgoing Lord Mayor Sally Capp Singapore-bound to accept award for unfulfilled Melbourne projects

Melbourne will soon be recognised in Singapore for a series of “transformative” initiatives — most of which are years or decades away. In her final weeks in the top job, outgoing Lord Mayor Sally Capp will jet there to accept the award.

Sally Capp has been invited to the three-day World Cities Summit in her final weeks in the top job.

Outgoing Lord Mayor Sally Capp will fly to Singapore and attend a lavish award ceremony where Melbourne will be recognised for a series of “transformative” initiatives, most of which are either years or decades away from completion.

The Lee Kuan Yew World City Prize will award Melbourne with a special mention at the ceremony and banquet in early June, praising the Metro Tunnel and contentious Suburban Rail Loop, as well as Ms Capp’s pet project, the Greenline.

Ms Capp will attend the ceremony as part of the World Cities Summit, with organisers to foot the bill for her airfares, accommodation and registration.

Sally Capp at the Lee Kuan Yew World City Prize in 2022.

The prize council sings Melbourne’s praises, applauding the city for “confronting challenges brought forth by the pandemic” and showing “steadfast adaptability and foresight”.

“Melbourne is recognised for being a city emblematic of resilience and innovation and redefining the urban landscape through a series of transformative initiatives over many decades, reaffirming its status as one of the most liveable cities in the world,” it says.

In the write-up, it begins to name drop a series of projects, but the Suburban Rail Loop gets lost in translation – becoming the Sub-Urban Rail Loop.

The Suburban Rail Loop is estimated to cost $216bn. Source: Suburban Rail Loop Authority

“The Metro Tunnel is set to cut travel times by up to 50 per cent on certain routes, while the Sub-Urban Rail Loop is anticipated to generate 50,000 jobs and inject $25bn into the Victorian economy,” it says.

“The Metro Tunnel is nearing completion, while the construction of the first stage (26km) of the Sub-Urban Rail Loop (90km) is currently underway.”

But the project – or some of its stages – are at risk of being scrapped by future governments, with independent analysis estimating it could cost an eye-watering $216bn.

The first stage, SRL East, is expected to be completed in 2035.

Senator Jess Walsh, federal Infrastructure Minister Catherine King, Lord Mayor Sally Capp and Deputy Lord Mayor Nick Reece turn the sod to mark the start of construction on the Birrarung Marr precinct of the Greenline project.

The $316m Greenline project was also lauded for “building upon previous efforts to transform the Yarra River from an industrial waterway to a recreational corridor”.

Construction is now underway on the first of its five precincts at Birrarung Marr.

But its future also remains under a cloud as Ms Capp is forced to leave her pet project in the hands of future Lord Mayors and councils.

If delivered in full, the project is not expected to be completed until at least 2030.

Two other City of Melbourne projects were recognised, namely the Design Excellence program to “improve built environment outcomes” and the Flash Forward Laneways initiative, which saw the revitalisation of 40 of Melbourne’s historic laneways.

The prize panel also commends the city’s “innovative affordable housing strategies”, but does not elaborate on what those strategies are.

The Greenline project will span five precincts.

Ms Capp said Melbourne regularly punches “well above our weight on the global stage”.

“We are so proud to receive an honourable mention for the prestigious Lee Kuan Yew World City Prize — celebrating our achievements in sustainability, urban design, development and innovation on the world stage once again,” she said.

“Melbourne was recognised for leadership in climate resilience, sustainability and our pandemic recovery.

“From one of the most locked-down cities in the world, we’ve bounced back strongly by capitalising on our partnerships with the private sector, other levels of government and our local and international communities.”

Sally Capp seated in the front row at the Lee Kuan Yew World City Prize banquet in 2022.

Mexico City won the World City Prize for its ability to “address many complex urban challenges and achieve transformational progress within a relatively short time of five years”.

Wellington, Cape Town and Rio de Janeiro will also be awarded with special mentions, with Ms Capp expected to be presented with a certificate at the ceremony.

Ms Capp, who was invited to the three-day World Cities Summit in her final weeks in the top job, will make a five-minute presentation at the Mayors Forum, as well as participate in panels and roundtables.

She attended the last summit, including the award ceremony and banquet, in 2022.

Melbourne was awarded its first special mention back in 2010 for its “integrated approach and commitment to strategic planning, leading to a highly liveable and inclusive city”.