About MTF

ABOUT THE METROPOLITAN TRANSPORT FORUM

The Metropolitan Transport Forum (MTF) is a local government interest group for transport in metropolitanMelbourne . It has been established for 18 years.

Membership : Eighteen metropolitan local governments currently constitute the membership. Each member nominates both a councillor and officer delegate. There are also twenty associate members from across the transport sector. See membership for current members and associates.

Aim: the MTF works towards effective, efficient and equitable transport in metropolitan Melbourne by providing a forum for debate, research and policy development, and sharing and disseminating information to improve transport choices.

Activities: The MTF meets monthly to discuss transport topics of current interest and also distributes information across the sector, hosts events of topical interest, makes submissions to government and conducts research to better inform policy. In addition the MTF fosters relationships with state government agencies to better represent local governments' viewpoint, establish partnerships and improve project delivery.

Key personnel:

Chair: Councillor Jackie Fristacky, City of Yarra Jackie.Fristacky@yarracity.vic.gov.au

Deputy Chair: Councillor Rose Iser, City of Moonee Valley, RIser@mvcc.vic.gov.au

Executive Officer: Susie Strain, mtf@mtf.org.au

Membership benefits:

A member or associate can expect the following

• Attend a monthly meeting on a topic relevant to transport inMelbourne
• Represent a particular or agency viewpoint to others in the sector
• Contribute to current debates
• Particpate in advocacy
• Opportunity to influence decision making at state level
• Keep up to date with topical issues
• Notification of events, conferences, speaking occasions,
• Information sharing to improve general practice

Member councils have the right to vote at the general monthly meeting.

Advocacy

Note that from time to time the MTF may advocate to state or federal government on behalf of its member local governments. In such cases the views presented are independent of the views of the associate members.

Publications: The MTF has published a number of documents which have made a substantial contribution to transport policy and practice in Melbourne .

• Creating Choices(2001) was influential in identifying the need for realistic and usable transport choices as part of Melbourne 2030,
• Funding Choices(2003) emphasised the importance of public transport funding for sustainable cities with a creative look at funding options.
• Most Liveable and Best Connected? The Economic Benefits of Investing in Public Transport inMelbourne(2005)highlighted the connection between public transport, liveability and the economy.
• MelbourneTransport Plan (2008)A transport plan that provides people with real transport options

Recent events: In 2008 the MTF

• On behalf of the 18 member local governments undertaken a public transport advocacy project, What Moves You?, facilitating community engagement on the topic of public transport in Melbourne by means of the website pt4me2.
• Organised a forum Transport for Sustainable Cities featuring Ross Garnaut, Greg Hunt and Kelvin Thompson at the Sustainable Living Festival.
• Taken an active role at the Sustainable Lliving Festival promoting sustainable transport
• Collaborated with VLGA and Bicycle Victoria to reinstate the annual event Mayors on Bikes where local government councillors and officers cycle, inspect and learn about local bicycle facilities.
• Made submissions to State and Federal inquiries into aspects of public transport, State Planning & Environment Act, Swanston St. redevelopment, Urban Growth Boundary review, Victorian Government Climate Change Green Paper, State budget.
• Actively advocated for greater transport land use integration, hosting a forum on the topic in May 2009.

Meeting schedule 2010