The link between public (and increasingly private) investment in mega-road projects and growing emissions appears to have escaped the attention of the processes that oversee public project decisions – panel hearings, ministerial processes and environmental impact assessments.

The ‘zombie subdivision’ is a phenomenon identified by the Lincoln Institute as ‘once- promising projects’ now ‘distressed’, with the fulfilment of plans or visions for the site effectively stalled. Services such as water, electricity, and roads are often absent in these areas, leaving them partially- occupied, or more often, completely vacant.

in 2010 the Growth Area Infrastructure Contribution (GAIC) fund was introduced to partially offset (up to 15%) the cost of new ‘essential state-funded’ infrastructure in growth areas on Melbourne’s fringe. This paper examines the GAIC fund and within this, its use for public transport – towards which 50% of GAIC funds are to be directed.

This strategy invites all levels of government to work together to resolve the affordable housing crisis.

Yarra City Council recognises the importance of volunteering in the social, environmental, cultural and economic fabric of the local community. Volunteering also provides health and wellbeing benefits to the volunteers themselves. This strategy sets out Council’s vision for volunteering in Yarra over the next four years.