Kensington Neighbourhood Portal goes live, helping connect communities

Kensington Neighbourhood Portal goes live, helping connect communities
Brendan Rees

A new online interactive portal where residents can learn more about the Kensington neighbourhood and have their say on local matters has officially launched.

Dubbed the “Neighbourhood Portal”, the City of Melbourne initiative will allow the community to better connect with the council by helping share their ideas for the future.

The council said its “new place-based” neighbourhood approach would also ensure it could understand and respond to unique communities across the municipality.

The CBD and Kensington portals are the first to go live with more set to launch later this year for West Melbourne, North Melbourne, Carlton, East Melbourne, Parkville, Docklands, Southbank and South Yarra.

The portals will feature an overview of each neighbourhood, including list of local priorities following two rounds of community consultation.

These included residents having raised concerns around traffic and parking management, which the council said its Transport Strategy 2030 would commit to reducing speed limits on all local streets plus key arterial roads to keep people safe.

Other feedback, which is available on the portal, included residents wanting improvements to South Kensington and Macaulay train stations to enhance safety, function, and appeal while others wanted to see more frequent train and bus services.

Also available on the portal are facts and figures about the area, as well as an acknowledgement of Traditional Owners and Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung places of significance with an interactive map.

Lord Mayor Sally Capp said the council was proud to further enhance its connections within communities with the launch of our Neighbourhood Portals.

“The neighbourhoods in the City of Melbourne are unique, each with their own identity, priorities and aspirations,” she said.

“That’s why we’ve implemented a place-based neighbourhood approach to better understand the individual needs and ideas of people across our vibrant municipality.”

 

Cr Capp said the portals would be a hub for local information, updates on council plans in action and good local news stories.

 

“We look forward to working closely with Melburnians through our Neighbourhood Partners to bring their needs and ideas into fruition.”

The portals were endorsed at the council’s Future Melbourne Committee meeting on June 14 – which was held for the first time at Meat Market Stables in North Melbourne.

To help realise its priorities, the council is also launching a new Connected Neighbourhoods program, which will offer grants of up to $2000 for organisations and individuals to bring ideas that benefit the local area to life. Applications open on July 1.

The council’s health, wellbeing and belonging portfolio lead Cr Dr Olivia Ball said the council was committed to supporting its diverse communities and acting on their priorities. •

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March 13th, 2024 - Brendan Rees
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