Locals in Melbourne’s Eastern Metropolitan Region have an opportunity to join a conversation with the Andrews Labor Government, as community consultation kicks off in the lead-up to the first Eastern Metropolitan Partnership annual assembly.

The inaugural assembly for the Eastern Metropolitan Partnership will take place in the region on 31 August 2017.

The Metropolitan Partnerships are designed to give people across Melbourne’s regions the chance to come together as a community and advise the Government on regional priorities and opportunities.

The assemblies are about giving the community an opportunity to directly weigh in on their future needs. They will also help all levels of government better understand the varied and unprecedented challenges facing Melbourne’s suburbs as they grow.

The Eastern Metropolitan Partnership will work with their communities to identify opportunities for driving improved social, economic and environmental outcomes.

The Partnership will then advise government on actions that can make a real difference to the liveability of the Eastern Metropolitan Region, which includes the local government areas of Yarra Ranges, Manningham, Maroondah, Knox, Whitehorse and Monash.

The Metropolitan Partnership is a key part of the Victorian Government’s commitment that all of Melbourne’s residents should have reliable and affordable access to jobs, services and infrastructure, no matter where they live.

The Eastern Metropolitan Partnership is one of six across Melbourne’s metro areas, with the Inner Metro, Inner South East, Western, Southern and Northern Partnerships also launched in June.

Each Partnership includes eight business and community representatives, the CEO of each council in the region and a senior Victorian Government representative.

Register interest in attending the assembly, or join the conversation online, by visiting www.engage.vic.gov.au/eastern-metropolitan-partnership.

Quote attributable to Minister for Suburban Development Lily D’Ambrosio

“The Andrews Government recognises that local communities know exactly what their priorities are, that’s why we’ve committed to working with the Eastern Metro Partnership.”

Quote attributable to Member for Eastern Metropolitan Region, Shaun Leane

Melbourne’s Eastern suburbs are growing more quickly than ever before, that’s why it’s vital that we include community groups and all levels of government to keep our city liveable and sustainable.”

Quote attributable to the Eastern Partnership Chair Robin Whyte

“I encourage everyone living and working in the Eastern Region to take the opportunity to engage with this process and join the discussion. We want to know what you value about the East and what opportunities you think we should be seizing now to ensure our future success as a place to live, work and visit. ”