MTF May meeting summary 
3 May 2023 via zoom

This is a summary of our most recent meeting which can be shared with colleague councillors or tabled at council meetings

Guest presenters: DTP: reorganisation and Active Transport
This month’s presenters were Amy Child and Daniel Kowalczyk, both directors from the Transport Planning team at the newly minted Department of Transport and Planning.
Their role is to be ‘custodians of the relationship with councils” in the metropolitan areas.
They explained that the Melbourne councils are now divided into two groups: Inner Metro and Greater Metro, representing inner ring and outer rings.
The presentation included case examples of plans supporting strategic cycling corridors.
View presentation

MTF Ambassadors: Now a full team
With the appointment of ambassadors for trams and access, we know have a full house of ambassadors on our key topics, namely
Bicycle Ambassador – Cr Bernadette Thomas (Maribyrnong)
Bus Ambassador – Cr Anna Chen (Manningham)
Walking Ambassador – Cr Richard Stockman (Nillumbik)
Train Ambassador – Cr Steve Staikos (Kingston)
Access Ambassador – Cr Amanda McNeill (Whitehorse)
Tram Ambassador – Cr Susanne Newton (Darebin)
The ambassadors will be meeting with MTF executive in coming weeks to flesh out a program of activities. Member councils are welcome to suggest topics in their areas.

What’s your position on ZEBs? The Minister wants to know!
ZEBs = Zero Emission Buses. In our recent meeting with Minister Carroll’s Chief of Staff, she said the minister was very keen to know about local government interest/support for electric public transport, specifically Zero Emission Buses.
MTF is keen to feedback any policies or actions you have that express interest or support for ZEBs.
Please email any documentation, eg a transport strategy or resolution to the MTF mtf@mtf.org.au

$2m for every Council from TAC – first deadline 19 May
Recently announced Safe Local Roads and Streets Program: TAC and DTP are delivering a $200 million program designed to integrate local governments’ priorities with a Safe System approach. Every council will get $2m at some stage in the next years. It’s non-competitive, but if you want to be considered in the first round, you need to apply before 19 May.
More info

Next meeting: Double budget watch
If leaks are an indication, both the Federal and State budgets will have significant news for transport planners. We’ll be looking at both budgets at the June meeting.
Delving deeper than the media coverage,  we are very keen to hear about any local projects that are detailed in the announcements.
Please ask your government relations or advocacy staff to share any transport related morsels with MTF.
Please email or call Greg Day mtf@mtf.org.au

Zoom or hybrid, what is your preferred meeting format?
MTF meetings are currently held by zoom only, with the exception of two meetings that are held in hybrid format (ie both zoom and face to face). The Hybrids are usually the AGM and election of executive meetings.
We are currently surveying all delegates about their meeting preferences.
The survey has been extended to Monday 22 May.
Complete the survey online by 22 May 

Acting Executive Officer
While Jane Waldock is on leave until mid-June, Greg Day will be acting in the role.
Don’t hesitate to contact him: 0418345829 gday@edunity.com.au

The ambassadors will be meeting with MTF executive in coming weeks to flesh out a program of activities. Member councils are welcome to suggest topics in their areas.