By Staff Writer

The Council of Capital City Lord Mayors (CCLM) is seeking a new partnership with the Federal Government aimed at "boosting productivity and attracting capital, business investment, a skilled-up workforce and strategies to promote innovation".

The group of Lord Mayors and a minister from all eight states and territories has called on the Federal Government to invest in joint programs across the five key areas of sustainability; transport and infrastructure; social infrastructure; global engagement and tourism; and city safety and security.

The Council’s chair, Lord Mayor of Melbourne John So, says, “This is the first time that capital city Lord Mayors have come together in a collaborative way to seek an alliance with the Australian Government as partners in national prosperity.

“Australia’s ability to be more competitive, innovative and productive is increasingly dependent on the success of our capital cities. It is not just a question of infrastructure priorities, more money or more secure money flows.
“Cities need a new working arrangement with the Federal and state governments as national and local priorities converge. As a group, we feel that Australia needs an overriding capital city policy under which various tiers of government can work together for the long term.”

The CCLM will present a policy to the Federal Government in August.