Despite months of lockdown and a surge of COVID-19 cases in recent weeks, it's been heartening to see our campaigns continue to gain traction.
As the Andrews government works on an economic recovery based on major infrastructure projects, we must ensure that these developments will benefit our communities, not destroy them.
This mission is of particular importance ahead of the forthcoming Victorian budget in October, and the development of a state climate strategy.
Right now, the Road Lobby is continuing to pressure the Victorian Government into building polluting toll roads. So we’re working with community members to push back against projects like the North East Link that will only add more cars onto our roads.
Instead we’re fighting for sustainable transport options like Melbourne Metro 2 (MM2), as well as active transport infrastructure as part of the Covid-19 recovery. Check out our initial view of what an economic rescue package should include for the transport sector here.
Here’s a quick look at what we've been up to:
TRANSPORT FOR ALL CAMPAIGN
Sustainable Cities partnered with the Disability Resources Centre to support their Transport For All campaign to end #LifelongLockdown for Victorians living with Disabilities. The action highlighted the injustices around Victoria's inaccessible public transport, calling on decision makers to prioritise making all transport accessible for people with access issues.
The campaign was published by the ABC and aired on ABC News!
CLICK HERE TO TAKE ACTION
ONLINE FORUM LAUNCHED: THE FUTURE OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT POST C-19
We’ll be hosting a free online community forum to discuss the Future of Public Transport in Victoria post Covid-19, and the benefits of MM2.
The event will be held from 6-7.30pm on Wednesday July 15 on Zoom.
Public transport is an essential service, key to making cities more accessible, liveable, and resilient to pandemics and climate change. We want to ensure that the Victorian government moves away from its fixation on mega toll roads, and towards a sustainable city that’s good for our physical and mental health, as well as the planet.
This means building safer bike paths, wider footpaths, accessible public transport, and more transport infrastructure including MM2.
BUILD MM2 ONLINE ACTION
We believe MM2 is the vital next addition to Melbourne’s 21st century rail network and integrated public transport system. It’s a tunnel between Newport and Clifton Hill via Fishermans Bend, Southern Cross, Flagstaff, Parkville and Fitzroy, connecting to existing services.
We’ve launched an online action to tell our politicians it's time to #BuildMM2. Check it out and sign the petition here!
A group of students from Worcester Polytechnic have made a website on MM2 and why it's a priority infrastructure project. Take a look at the website here.
PEOPLE’S CLIMATE STRATEGY- ACT ON CLIMATE
We're supporting Act on Climate's People's Climate Strategy.
A team of 79 community members have put their hand up to help. They've formed working groups for every region of the state (including Melbourne) to survey their local communities, analyse the findings, and brainstorm solutions.
CLICK HERE to take an online survey to let us know how the climate crisis is impacting your region.
If you'd like to get involved in the People's Climate Strategy project, please REGISTER HERE.
THANKS FOR THE SUPPORT
As you know, we're a grassroots effort that has a huge amount of impact, on the smell of an empty muesli-bar wrapper.
The Sustainable Cities collective would like to thank everyone who contributed to our End-of-Financial-Year fundraising drive, if you missed out and would still like to donate, you can do so here.
And remember, you're always welcome to join us for our weekly Sustainable Cities meetings on Mondays at 6pm, online via Zoom.
Email [email protected] to get involved!