26.05.2022New CEO’s bold agenda to get Greater Melbourne moving again

Committee for Melbourne’s new Chief Executive Officer Mark Melvin today outlines an ambitious agenda to move the city forward and cement its position as a number one destination to live, work and invest.

Mr Melvin said at the heart of his plan is attracting and retaining international students, commercialising research and innovation, reviving Melbourne’s culture scene and connecting the suburbs to the city.

“While Melbourne is still very much in recovery mode, now is the time to double down on what makes our city thrive and that starts with greater collaboration, integration and investment from all levels of government to business and community leaders, “Mr Melvin said.

“Together, we have an opportunity to maximise what we do well and tap into areas where we are on the cusp of greatness by integrating and consolidating our unique offering for residents, interstate, and international visitors.

“For instance, you only need to look at international university rankings to see Melbourne places in the top two for student experience with world class universities including Monash leading in areas of biotech, engineering, and science. Yet how many students stay in Melbourne past graduation?

“At the same time, we have some of the world’s most brilliant minds at Latrobe Research and Innovation Precinct delivering advancements in digital transformation, cancer research and clinical partnerships, to name a few. But we will need more brilliant minds to grow the tech and science-led businesses of tomorrow.

“By connecting and opening up these hubs to international students, we can convert them into long-term residents and ensure a talented pipeline of people across critical fields while addressing skill shortages.”

Mr Melvin also pointed to the need to open Australia back up again and position Melbourne front of mind for visitors, so they come here first to experience our iconic arts, sport and cultural scene.

“While we have the infrastructure to be a host city, we need greater investment and support for artists and forward planning to secure theatre acts and sporting matches ahead of other capital cities,” Mr Melvin said.

“Finally, all of this is underpinned by a need for greater transport connectivity for more convenient access to the city for most Melbournians who live in our growing outer suburbs.

“Just 22 per cent of residents live within 500m of a regular public transport compared to 51 per cent in Berlin, and 40 per cent in Toronto in Milan. There is a huge opportunity to make inroads in this space and I, like many, would love to see us on par with these cities to make it easier for everyone to experience all our city has to offer and more.”

Mr Melvin concluded by stating his first few months will see him meet with 150 Committee members, bolster internal resources, and embed the recently released Benchmarking Melbourne Report.

“The Committee plays a vital role to advocate for a Greater Melbourne with a Greater Future. I am confident through working together Melbourne can regain its mantle of not just being a top tier destination to eat and be entertained but also recognised as the best place on the planet to work, live and play,” he said.

“There is no reason Melbourne can’t do or have it all, so let’s get to work.”

– ENDS –

For more information: Clive Dwyer | Committee for Melbourne, Director, Engagement | M +61 410 220 521 | cdwyer@melbourne.org.au  

Committee for Melbourne: melbourne.org.au
The Committee has 150 members from major corporations, small and medium business, academic institutions, local government and non-for-profit entities. Through embracing three key pillars, Future Economy, Infrastructure, Urban Optimisation and Liveability, the Committee exists to ensure Melbourne’s challenges and opportunities are addressed to keep our city vital, inclusive, progressive and sustainable. The Committee is a non-for-profit, member funded entity that is politically independent and impartial allowing us to freely and purposefully raise important issues.