Cardinia Shire Council leaders joined colleagues from other outer Melbourne councils at an event at Parliament House recently to recognise Interface Week.
Mayor Tammy Radford, deputy mayor Jack Kowarzik, chief executive officer Carol Jeffs and general manager liveable communities Lili Rosic attended the event to discuss the unique challenges and opportunities facing Interface Councils and to raise awareness of the issues with state government representatives.
The Interface Councils group includes 10 municipalities - Cardinia, Casey, Humes, Melton, Mitchell, Mornington Peninsula, Nillumbik, Whittlesea, Wyndham and Yarra Ranges
- that form a ring around metropolitan Melbourne, representing 1.6 million residents living in the outer suburbs.
The theme for this year's Interface Week was 'Outer Suburbs, Not Out of Sight'.
Cr Radford said the interface suburbs were more than just peripheral areas and should be given the same economic opportunities as the rest of Melbourne.
"These suburbs are thriving and vibrant communities that are home to hardworking people, innovative businesses and diverse cultures.
"The Interface Councils' population is expected to reach 2.5 million by 2036. Data shows that an average of three families are moving into Cardinia Shire every day.
"To keep pace, government at all levels will need to work together on growth management strategies that ensure critical infrastructure and community services are provided.
"Our state will need careful strategic planning, innovative housing and service delivery, road and transport upgrades and improved jobs access to ensure an equitable, inclusive, and prosperous future for Cardinia Shire and its fellow interface municipalities," Cr Radford said.