Transport, internet speeds top priorities in Committee for Melbourne survey

AN airport rail link and faster internet speeds are being demanded by members of an influential Melbourne lobby group.

AN integrated transport plan including an airport rail link is Melbourne’s top priority, according to a survey of the city’s movers and shakers.

Faster internet speeds and support to turn Melbourne into a “30-minute city” were also considered crucial by members of the influential Committee for Melbourne.

The committee has more than 120 members across the private and public sectors including BHP Billiton, Commonwealth Bank, Transurban, RACV, Melbourne Football Club, Melbourne Health, media organisations and universities.

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An artist’s impression of a proposed Melbourne Airport rail link.

It asked members to rate the city’s top priorities so the results could be used to lobby political parties in the run-up to the November state election.

An integrated transport plan was considered a high priority by 95 per cent of respondents, followed by globally competitive internet speeds for the future economy (74 per cent) and a mass transit airport rail link (70 per cent).

Committee for Melbourne members want a ‘30-minute city’ to ease congestion.

Almost two-thirds said a high priority was Melbourne moving towards a “30-minute city”, a situation in which people can access most of their required services and activities within a 30-minute travel time.

Given lower priority was extending the free tram zone to the arts and culture precinct and the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Committee CEO Martine Letts said additional comments made by members reinforced priorities like the importance of integrated transport, including less reliance on cars.

“They were concerned about the environment, carbon neutrality, efficient waste disposal and putting more emphasis on housing affordability and looking after the vulnerable,” she said.

Committee for Melbourne chief executive Martine Letts.

Oher comments included cutting immigration to ease pressure on infrastructure; creating a “socially inclusive” city; and developing a master plan for Federation Square East.

On Thursday night, the committee announced co-winners for its 2018 Melbourne Achiever Award.

They were businesswoman and philanthropist Naomi Milgrom and Melbourne and Olympic Parks which runs the sports and entertainment precinct.

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