From the Chair

As Melbourne’s north continues to grow, the need for long-term planning, investment and strong regional advocacy has never been more important.

The Victorian Government’s $80 million commitment to investigate duplication and extension of the Upfield railway line is a welcome step forward. This has been a long-standing NCA advocacy priority and demonstrates the value of keeping important regional projects on the agenda. Our focus now is on seeing this commitment progress from planning to delivery, including the longer-term vision to extend and electrify the line to Wallan.

At the same time, Councils are looking further ahead. Hume, Whittlesea and Mitchell are working together to plan for the future of the Cloverton precinct and the significant population growth expected across Melbourne’s north. The scale of this growth requires a coordinated regional approach, which is why a joint Council meeting was held on 7 October to support a partnership strategy.

NCA acknowledgement

We were also pleased to receive an acknowledgment by Patricia Karvelas, one of Australia's leading political journalists, at the recent Municipal Association of Victoria Annual Oration. Speaking on the topic ‘How local leadership can shape the state agenda’, Ms Karvelas highlighted the work of the NCA’s Mayors and their advocacy for a new hospital and train station in Cloverton as an example of “local government as its best”.  

We are grateful for this recognition of our collaborative work. The same focus on collaboration is guiding the development of the NCA Strategic Plan 2027–2031. Our Councils are working together to identify the issues that matter most to the region and where collective advocacy can make the greatest difference.

Vale Dr Tim Read

On behalf of the NCA, I acknowledge the passing of the Member for Brunswick, Dr Tim Read MP. Tim was a supporter of the NCA and always made himself available for information and advocacy support. While his work focused on his electorate, Tim equally understood our region and the importance of our activities. He made himself available in any way he could. Our condolences to his family and those who worked and cared for him. He will be greatly missed.

Thank you to the NCA Mayors

This NCA Snapshot marks the final edition featuring our current Mayors, with Mayoral elections taking place in the coming months. A warm thanks to my valued colleagues – Cr John Dougall (Mitchell) who served as Deputy Chair, Cr Alison Champion (Banyule), Cr Emily Dimitriadis (Darebin), Cr Carly Moore (Hume), Cr Natalie Abboud (Merri-bek) and Cr Naomi Joiner (Nillumbik) – for their ongoing collaboration and commitment to our region.

The months ahead will be important for Melbourne’s north. The NCA looks forward to continuing to work with our member Councils, government and regional partners to make sure the needs of our growing communities remain on the agenda.

Cr Lawrie Cox

Chair, Northern Councils Alliance

Mayor, City of Whittlesea