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New Mayoral elections took place in October and November this year across our region. 

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From the NCA Chair – Cr Tom Melican, Mayor of Banyule City Council

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At the December meeting of the Northern Councils Alliance, Banyule City

Council was elected as the new Host Council of the NCA for 2024. As the

incoming Chair of the NCA, I am delighted to introduce my new Mayoral

colleagues:

 

• Cr Susanne Newton, Mayor of Darebin City Council

• Cr Naim Kurt, Mayor of Hume City Council

• Cr Adam Pulford, Mayor of Merri-bek City Council

• Cr Louise Bannister, Mayor of Mitchell Shire Council

• Cr Ben Ramcharan, Mayor of Nillumbik Shire Council

• Lydia Wilson, Chair of Administrators, City of Whittlesea.

 

While we all serve our municipalities to the best of our ability, it is great to also be part of this regional body that works together to provide a framework for the future of our region.

 

The NCA Strategic Plan 2022-2026 was designed to align government and stakeholders in improving access to opportunities and to help fully release the potential of Melbourne’s north. All our projects support these priorities, will have a regional impact and will benefit all seven municipalities.

 

During 2023, the NCA achieved a lot – completing and launching our Community Electric Transition Vehicle Plan, launching the plan and our transport priorities, and much more. And our updated Advocacy Priorities document provides us with a blueprint for NCA activity over 2024 and beyond.

 

Through our work on our Councils, we are all aware of the work of the NCA and its achievements. Together we commit to leveraging our combined resources and continuing to support this great work. By collaborating in this way, we present a stronger advocacy position to government and will achieve better outcomes for businesses and communities throughout our region.

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We know we face many challenges, and taking real action on climate changes must be central consideration in every decision we make. 

 

Lastly, I thank Hume City Council, in particular Cr Joseph Haweil, for his

excellent Chairing of the NCA in 2023 and Sheena Frost, CEO of Hume,

who oversaw the NCA for the year.

 

I look forward to working as part of the NCA throughout 2024.

 

Cr Tom Melican
Mayor, Banyule City Council
Chair, Northern Councils Alliance