For over 150 years, we're all incredibly proud of our city's nickname: Marvelous Melbourne. According to legend, this nickname was coined by a journalist named George Augustus Sala who was visiting London.
It's no surprise that Melburnians celebrate our city as Australia's cultural, sporting and business capital. It attracts tourists from across the state, the country, and the world.
However, it is clear that some of that vibrancy and vibrancy has been lost from the city center and has been for some time.
In some parts of the city, “For Lease” signs are as ubiquitous as tram bells. Our CBD has the highest office vacancy rate in the country, at 18%, according to data released by the Real Estate Council of Australia in August.
Added to this are government-level decisions being made that make Melbourne less accessible and safer, hindering our city's recovery.
This needs to change.
In the coming weeks, Melbourne residents and ratepayers will be asked to elect a new mayor and city council.
This is an opportunity to refresh our city and elect a new leader, with new ideas about how to restore Melbourne's vibrancy and energy.
To do that, we need a city council team committed to making Melbourne more accessible, safer and making it clear that Melbourne is open for business.
I am very pleased to have a Liberal Party-endorsed mayoral candidate and councilor team running for the first time in the October election.
The Liberal team, led by mayoral candidate Miriam Riza, deputy mayoral candidate Luke Martin and council candidates Owen Guest and Yu Lee Liston, has a plan to get Melbourne back on track.
Melbourne City Council's Liberal team will put Melbourne back in business, attract investment back to our city and dismantle the segregated cycle lanes that are slowing down the CBD.
Keeping our cities safe is a key driver in bringing back tourists and the economic benefits they bring to our cities. The Liberal team will ensure Victoria Police has the resources and powers it needs to keep our streets safe, so you can feel safe as you move around your neighborhood, workplace and city.
It is time for Melbourne to elect a Lord Mayor and City Council who will stand up to the State Government, work constructively with it, and deliver a strong and unabashed agenda to restore the culture and strength of our city. .
I hope Melbourne voters consider this and vote accordingly next month.
Only the Liberals can bring Melbourne back to life.
Evan Mulholland is the Liberal MP for the Northern Capital Territory and Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council of Victoria. •
