Jonathon Marsden

The Metropolitan Transport Forum (MTF) is a local government interest group for transport in metropolitan Melbourne . It has been established for over 20 years. Membership : Twenty six metropolitan local governments currently constitute the membership. Each member nominates both a councillor and officer delegate. There are also a number of associate members from across the transport sector including State Government, transport consultants and contractors. See membership for current members and associates. Aim: the MTF works towards effective, efficient and equitable transport in metropolitan Melbourne by providing a forum for debate, research and policy development, and sharing and disseminating information to improve transport choices. Activities: The MTF meets monthly to discuss transport topics of current interest and also distributes information across the sector, hosts events of topical interest, makes submissions to government and conducts research to better inform policy. In addition the MTF fosters relationships with state government agencies to better represent local governments’ viewpoint, establish partnerships and improve project delivery. Membership benefits: A member or associate can expect the following: - Attend a monthly meeting on a topic relevant to transport in Melbourne - Represent a particular or agency viewpoint to others in the sector - Contribute to current debates - Participate in advocacy - Opportunity to influence decision making at state level - Keep up to date with topical issues - Notification of events, conferences, speaking occasions, - Information sharing to improve general practice - Network / make useful contact with others in the transport sector - Member councils have the right to vote at the general monthly meeting. Advocacy: The MTF may advocate to state or federal government on behalf of its member local governments. In such cases the views presented are independent of the views of the associate members.