Metropolitan Transport Forum

To: Chief Executive Officer
Please note that it is my intention to propose the following motion at the Ordinary Meeting of the Council to be held on July 28th 2009
Subject: Metropolitan Transport Forum

Motion
That Council:
a) Moves to become a member of the Metropolitan Transport Forum (completing and lodging the form at Attachment A);
b) Nominate Councillor and officer delegates to participate in MTF events and meetings on behalf of Council;
c) Writes to the Metropolitan Transport Forum (MTF) to request a meeting with western region MTF members from the Cities of Hobsons Bay, Hume, Maribyrnong, Moonee Valley, MTF Chair and/or MTF Deputy Chair of the MTF to discuss regional transport issues and initiate its membership into the Forum within a month of becoming a member;
d) Requests officers present a number of key transport issues and challenges currently faced by communities in Brimbank to be taken to the MTF

Background/Rationale
The Metropolitan Transport Forum (MTF) is a local government interest group for transport in metropolitan Melbourne. The MTF provides a forum for debate, research and policy development for effective, efficient and equitable transport that will complement Council’s membership of the Western Alliance for Greenhouse Action (WAGA) and Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV).

The MTF has been established for 18 years and currently membership is constituted of eighteen metropolitan councils. There are also twenty associate members from across the transport sector.

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. The MTF have published a number of documents which have made a substantial contribution to transport policy and practice in Melbourne.
In addition the MTF fosters relationships with state government agencies to better represent local governments’ viewpoint, establish partnerships and improve project delivery.

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. Given that the Brimbank community has consistently expressed concerns and issues relating to transport planning, Council’s capacity to advocate on such matters would be improved immediately.

There is an annual subscription of $1,500 for members. Each member nominates both a councillor and officer delegate.

Membership: Cities of Banyule, Boroondara, Casey, Darebin, Hobsons Bay, Hume, Kingston, Manningham, Maribyrnong, Melbourne, Moonee Valley, Moreland, Port Phillip, Stonnington, Whitehorse, Whittlesea, Yarra and Shire of Nillumbik
Associate Members: Australian Institute of Urban Studies, ARRB Group , Booz Allen Hamilton, Bus Association of Victoria, Connex, Cycling Promotion Fund, Department of Transport, Driver Bus Lines, Environment Victoria, Flexicar, Louis Fouvy Consultant, J C Decaux Aust Pty Ltd, Metlink Melbourne, Municipal Association of Victoria, Office of the Commissioner for Environmental Sustainability, Public Transport Users Association, Transurban, VCOSS, Victorian Local Governance Association, Yarra Trams

Attachment A
METROPOLITAN TRANSPORT FORUM

APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP

METROPOLITAN TRANSPORT FORUM INCORPORATED


This municipal council

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………… (name)

of …………..…………………………………………………………………………………………… (address)

agrees with the Statement of Purposes of the Metropolitan Transport Forum Inc. and

desires to become a member of the Metropolitan Transport Forum Inc.


In the event of this council’s admission as a member, it agrees to be bound by the rules of

the Association for the time being in force, including payment of an annual subscription fee.


Insert name and contact details of proposed authorised delegate (One Councillor and one officer of the Council may both be authorised delegates):


1. Name ……………………………………. Email: ……………………………………………..
Phone No:

2. Name …………………………………… Email: …………………………………………….
Phone No:

……………………………………………………………………………………………….. (Signature)

……………………………………………………………………………………………….. (Name)

on behalf of ……………………………………………………………………………… (Name of Council)




Date ……………………………………… 200…

Attachment B
METROPOLITAN TRANSPORT FORUM

STATEMENT OF PURPOSES


The Metropolitan Transport Forum (MTF) aims to promote and work for sustainable, equitable and efficient transport options across metropolitan Melbourne.


In pursuit of this aim the MTF will:

· bring the perspective of local government into metropolitan transport planning debates;
· take a broad and systemic view of Melbourne’s transport needs within an urban and social planning context;
· advocate for ecologically sustainable transport that reflects climate change imperatives;
· advocate for socially equitable transport options and modes
· create a forum for debate, research and policy development, and for sharing ideas on local practices;
· support communication and exchange between member councils, organisations and other tiers of government, in pursuit of its purposes;
· work collaboratively with other organisations that support its purposes;
· develop collective positions on debates relating to its purposes;
· encourage and support sustainable transport and mobility planning across metropolitan Melbourne;
· do any such other things as are incidental or conducive to the attainment of the objects and the exercise of the powers of the Association.