Our work
Working together to address the key challenges and opportunities shaping Melbourne’s north.
Our activities focus on addressing the key challenges shaping Melbourne’s north, from rapid population growth to increasing demand for infrastructure, services and employment.
Through coordinated advocacy and targeted initiatives, we work to support a more connected, accessible and economically resilient region.
Our region, our vision
Melbourne’s north is one of Australia’s fastest-growing regions, now home to over 1 million people and projected to reach nearly 1.5 million by 2036.
By 2040, our region’s population will be comparable to Greater Adelaide today, placing increasing demand on infrastructure, services and coordinated planning.
Many residents travel outside the region for work, facing longer commute times and limited access to local employment opportunities. Addressing these pressures requires targeted investment to support a more connected, accessible and economically resilient region.
For a broader overview of the region, view our regional profile →
How we work
We work collaboratively across Councils and with government to align priorities, advocate for investment and support initiatives that respond to regional needs.
For each initiative we form a committee of topic experts from Councils, drawing on diverse expertise from across the region to identify opportunities and achieve better outcomes.
By bringing together local knowledge, regional planning and shared advocacy, we help progress coordinated solutions that strengthen connectivity, services and long-term outcomes across Melbourne’s north.
Our Strategic Priorities
Our work is guided by a set of Strategic Priorities that reflect the most pressing challenges and opportunities across Melbourne’s north.
From the Strategic Priorities, we develop our annual advocacy initiatives. These are underpinned by a strong and evolving evidence base, helping to keep our work aligned with the needs of the region.
Our advocacy initiatives are key projects that will improve connectivity, strengthen local economies and support our growing communities. They include proactive advocacy initiatives as well as significant issues of current concern to the region.
Explore each advocacy initiative below to learn more about the issues facing Melbourne’s north and how we are responding.
Advocacy initiatives
Click on the priorities below to learn more about each project and the role it plays in supporting our region's future:
NCA advocacy video: Upfield rail line
Discover how duplicating and extending the Upfield rail line to Wallan will improve capacity, increase service frequency and connect Melbourne's fastest-growing communities to jobs, education and essential services.
Regional capability building
Sharing knowledge, experience and best practice across Melbourne’s northern Councils helps strengthen local government capability and deliver better outcomes for our communities.
Two key regional capability building initiatives are currently underway.
NCA Coaching and Mentoring Program
Our NCA Coaching and Mentoring Program involves more than 100 mentors and mentees from all seven Councils, representing a diverse range of roles, service areas and experience levels.
The program is designed to strengthen coaching and mentoring capability, support professional growth, foster cross-Council networks and connections, and promote regional training opportunities.
NCA Cross-Council Professional Development
Our NCA Cross-Council Professional Development events bring together Mayors, Councillors, CEOs and Council staff to build skills and knowledge.
Guided by an expert panel, discussions explore practical strategies and real-world experiences, providing valuable insights that participants can apply in their roles across the region.
Evidence, reports and resources
Explore detailed reports, advocacy positions and supporting evidence across our Strategic Priorities.
In the news
Media coverage and stakeholder recognition of our work.
Stay up to date with our latest activities, including project updates, announcements and media coverage highlighting our progress.