The essence of urban entrepreneurialism is to apply innovative thinking to policy planning in a strategic way, based on long-term vision. Such attitude is an essential property not only of competitive private enterprises in the global market, but also of competitive cities in inter-city competition on a global scale. Urban entrepreneurialism should manifest itself in identifying and building up unique local assets, in harnessing “old policy tools” with totally new perspectives, and in mobilising the collective potential of all the actors in the local economy by motivating and empowering them. Source: OECD TERRITORIAL REVIEWS: COMPETITIVE CITIES, 2007, p14

Victoria is already one of the most liveable locations in the world, with international surveys ranking Melbourne among the world’s top cities in terms of offering the best quality of life. In addition to a strong economy, high quality health and education sectors, booming infrastructure investment and design excellence, Victoria is renowned for its diversity, culture and cohesiveness. The Victorian Government is committed to ensuring that Victoria remains a great place to live, work and raise a family.

Enhancing liveability is important not only from the point of view of the quality of life of existing citizens, but it also impacts on the competitiveness and future prosperity of the State. For example, it is clear that liveability considerations are pivotal to attracting new migrants into the State. Where such migrants are skilled, creative and innovative, this may, in turn, attract high-value industries.

As governments strive to improve liveability, there is a growing recognition of the need to focus on the importance of sustainable development. The concept of ‘sustainable development’ is an evolving, debatable term, with a growing number of definitions, which can involve the balancing of economic, social and environmental policy objectives.

In the context of urban development, sustainability has been defined as improving the quality of life in a city – including ecological, cultural, political, institutional, social and economic components – without leaving a burden on future generations. For example, the use of high quality, creative design solutions and modern technologies can help minimise the environmental impacts of new urban developments.

The Commission’s inquiry will investigate the links between liveability and the competitiveness of the State, and consider ways in which the Government can best enhance Victoria’s status as an attractive, vibrant and inclusive place to live, while ensuring that sustainability issues are taken into account. The inquiry will inform the development and application of future decisions made by the Victorian Government.