08.08.2018Melbourne 2nd in The Economist Intelligence Unit’s liveability ranking

Released today, The Economist Intelligence Unit’s Global Liveability Survey ranks Melbourne as the World’s Second Most Liveable City.

While Committee for Melbourne CEO Martine Letts is pleased that Melbourne is ranked in the top three, she added that this result should act as a wake-up call.

“The perception global audiences have of Melbourne is very important as it drives the decision of visitors, investors and entrepreneurs – this accolade is a key component in our city’s ability to attract and retain top global and local talent”, said Ms Letts.

“Our drop in the liveability rankings is proof that progressing with ‘business as usual’ will not ensure a bright future for our city”.

“Our status as a leading international city is being threatened. Melbourne is Australia’s fastest-growing city and we are now operating in a disrupted, technology-driven environment which is challenging our future prosperity and liveability”, noted Ms Letts.

“We must avoid complacency. We must ensure our city progresses and develops in concert with this changing environment while leveraging the opportunities it brings”.

“Harnessing the expertise of our members, the Committee for Melbourne established its flagship Melbourne 4.0 Taskforce in 2016 to prepare our city for the unprecedented disruption facing our future economy and society out to 2030”, highlighted Ms Letts.

Using a scenario planning methodology, the Melbourne 4.0 Taskforce generated four plausible futures for our city in 2030 which, in turn, produced a set of responses, or Strategic Needs, to the challenges and opportunities the scenarios uncovered.

The nine Strategic Needs for Melbourne are:

People
Future skills
Innovative ecosystem
Housing mix

Connectivity
Competitive internet
Airport link
Eastern Seaboard Transit link

Governance
Metropolitan collaboration
Eastern Seaboard Collaboration
Digital Capability

“We are working with our members to champion these nine priorities for Melbourne”, said Ms Letts.

“We are clear, bold and unified in our vision for Melbourne and will continue our advocacy efforts to future-proof our city with, for instance, a healthy and affordable housing mix; competitive internet and quality, properly integrated public transport links”, said Ms Letts.

“It will ensure Melbourne is able to thrive as a liveable and prosperous city in 2030”.

-ENDS-