Edition 9: November 2025 In a focused effort to advance regional priorities, the NCA and NORTH Link brought together Mayors, council CEOs and regional leaders for a delegation to Victorian Parliament in mid-October. Our delegation comprised a strong cross-section of leaders, including Mayors and CEOs from member Councils and senior representatives from Melbourne Polytechnic, Northern Health and Kangan Institute. Through discussions with Ministers and the Opposition, we highl

Edition 9: November 2025 Over recent months, the NCA has taken significant steps to advance the interests of Melbourne’s north through high-level delegations to state and federal parliaments. ​ These delegations brought together Mayors, council CEOs and regional leaders to present a united voice on the urgent need for coordinated investment in transport, employment and health. ​ Our discussions with Ministers and Opposition representatives at both levels of government were c

Photo (L–R): Cr Naomi Joiner (Mayor, Nillumbik Shire Council), Cr Emily Dimitriadis (Mayor, Darebin City Council), Cr John Dougall (Mayor, Mitchell Shire Council), Cr Nat Abboud (Mayor, Merri-bek City Council), Cr Alison Champion (Mayor, Banyule City Council), Cr Carly Moore (Mayor, Hume City Council) and Cr Lawrie Cox (Mayor, City of Whittlesea) The new Mayors of the Northern Councils Alliance (NCA) continue to advocate in support of Melbourne’s growing north. City of Whitt

Our latest newsletter - NCA Snapshot edition 9 is currently out. Highlights include a message from the NCA Chair, a rundown of our delegations to both the Canberra and Victorian Parliaments and an update on our campaign to improve transport activity. This edition and previous editions can be found here: Newsletters

The NCA is calling on residents and local businesses in Melbourne's north to speak up about the real impacts of inadequate and unreliable transport in their daily lives. From overloaded roads across our region, to unsafe bike links and inadequate services in rural areas, and lack of connected services in our inner suburbs, each council has highlighted its local issues. But they share a common goal: better transport for everyone in Melbourne’s north. Visit www.connectmelbourne

NCA Mayors. Back L>R: Cr Martin Taylor, Mayor City of Whittlesea; Cr John Dougall, Mayor Mitchell Shire Council and Cr John Dumaresq, Mayor Nillumbik Shire Council. Front L>R: Cr Kristine Olaris OAM, Mayor City of Darebin, Cr Elizabeth Nealy. Mayor Banyule City Council, Cr Helen Davidson, Mayor Merri-bek City Council and Chair of the NCA, and Cr Jarrod Bell, Mayor Hume City Council. In late August, the Northern Councils Alliance, together with NORTH Link, travelled to Canberr

The NCA welcomes the Federal Government’s investment of $7.05 million to develop a comprehensive business case for the much-needed uplift of services in the Northern Growth Corridor, including on the Upfield and Craigieburn rail lines. Cr Helen Davidson, Mayor of Merri-bek and Chair of the NCA, welcomed the announcement, emphasising the critical role of rail investment in shaping the region’s future. “This funding is a major step toward delivering vital transport infrastructu

New Mayors commit to regional collaboration through the NCA The newly appointed Mayors of the Northern Councils Alliance (NCA) have officially convened for the first time, reaffirming their commitment to regional collaboration for the benefit of communities across Melbourne’s north. Meeting on 19 February, the Mayors discussed key priorities and their shared vision for the future of the region Photo L<R: Cr. John Dougall, Mayor Mitchell Shire Council; Cr. John Dumaresq, Mayor

Our final newsletter for 2024 is now out. Click below to read up on our achievements for 2024 and updates on our transport campaign.

The NCA Mayors have officially launched a campaign to improve transport across Melbourne's north. Titled: Connect Melbourne’s North: It’s time to transform our transport: is joint effort from seven councils to advocate for better transport options across the region. Melbourne's north is growing fast but population growth hasn’t been matched with the necessary investment in transport. Our community is experiencing ongoing issues with inadequate transport services that don’t

Rail investments are needed to resolve critical constraints on train services in Melbourne's north. We need effective train networks to alleviate congestion on key roads, support current and future communities to access jobs and essential services, improve social connection and reduce climate change emissions. That's why the NCA is calling for the duplication and extension of the Upfield Rail Line. Duplication between Gowrie and Upfield Stations, extension to the Craigiebur

The NCA was pleased join Mike Amor for the 4pm news on 18 March live from Mt Ridley.

The new Melbourne’s North Investment Attraction Strategy and Prospectus position the region as a prime destination for investors.

The final NCA meeting for 2023 was the first for our new NCA Mayors. Banyule Council was elected as the Host Council for 2024, with...

Over 100 people attended the launch of the NCA's Community Electric Vehicle Transition Plan and transport priorities. Documents that...

The first edition of the NCA's Newsletter "NCA Snapshot" was released today.

The Northern Councils Alliance is pleased to release its Community Electric Vehicle Transition Plan.

At our December 2022 meeting the newly elected NCA Mayors and CEOs from our seven member Councils met to reaffirm their comment to...

On Tuesday 18 October 2022, the seven Councils in Melbourne's north launched the NCA's Strategic Priorities 2022-2026 and and Advocacy...

Click here to view NCA's Northern Region Strategy and Bus Networking resources