“The response from Mr Howard was encouraging, with both the Prime Minister and his Local Government Minister Jim Lloyd open to the proposal and saying both would be happy to continue to talk about ways of forging strengthened relationships with the capital cities,” said John So, the Chair of CCCLM and Lord Mayor of Melbourne.
Mr Howard gave an undertaking he would meet twice a year with the Lord Mayors and his staff would meet with the Council’s Secretariat. He also said he would be making announcements prior to the Federal election.
Mr Rudd said he fully supported the CCCLM proposal for a ground-breaking national capital cities strategy.
“CCCLM welcomes Mr Rudd’s agreement there is a need for the establishment of a new capital city policy unit to help drive outcomes that will boost national prosperity as part of a new investment alliance involving the cities, Commonwealth, State Governments and the business sector,” said Mr So.
Similar economic clusters are already in place in a number of countries, including the US, Canada, UK, Europe and Asia.
The eight capital cities represent 64 per cent of the national population and their council regions are responsible for 78 per cent of growth in gross domestic product over the past five years.
“We have made the case for Commonwealth leadership in a partnership that can deliver better outcomes in infrastructure, transport, sustainability, social infrastructure, city safety, tourism and liveability,” Mr So said.
“These better outcomes are not only for the people and enterprises in the cities, but also for those living and working in rural and regional areas.
“We believe Mr Howard and Mr Rudd are talking the same language as ourselves – and that is extremely important to securing the nation’s future prosperity and growth.
“The CCCLM will continue to pursue its advocacy, and stands ready to provide resources and expertise to guarantee a much needed national urban policy is put in place sooner rather than later.”
The CCCLM is made up of Melbourne Lord Mayor John So, Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore MP, Adelaide Lord Mayor Michael Harbison, Perth Lord Mayor, Peter Nattrass, Hobart Lord Mayor Rob Valentine, Brisbane Lord Mayor Campbell Newman, Darwin Lord Mayor Garry Lambert and ACT Minister John Hargreaves.