We’re a city now
After years of debate, Melton has officially become a city. The decision to award the municipality city status was made by Local Government Minister Jeanette Powell following the council’s application to Local Government Victoria seeking a change in status. Mayor Justin Mammarella said this was a historic day for the new City of Melton. “The city status reflects the changing character of today’s municipality,” he said. “This is about the future of Melton. We have a population of 115,406, projected to be 241,000 by 2031. The city status acknowledges our fast growth and we will continue our advocacy efforts to the state and federal governments for investment in facilities and infrastructure projects that support our ongoing population growth. We acknowledge and won’t forget about our history and heritage. In fact, this year we celebrate 150 years of local government with great pride. Melton grew from a roads authority in 1862 to a robust shire and now a diverse city.” Council chief executive Kel Tori said the city status wouldn’t change its operations. “It will be business as usual. After the local government elections in October, the new council will decide on rebranding,” he said. The city status will not affect addresses, suburb names or rates.
Not yet in the fray
Melton mayor Justin Mammarella is the only councillor yet to confirm his intentions ahead of next month’s council election. Incumbent councillors Sophie Ramsey, Broden Borg, Bob Turner, Garry Stock, Renata Cugliari and Kathy Majdlik have indicated they will seek re-election. Cr Mammarella told the Weekly he had not made a decision but was overwhelmed with encouragement he had got so far. Melton Residents Association president Peter Rowan said he had decided to “take the next step”. Cambridge Coburn and Watts Residents Association members have also put their hands up for elections. In a statement, CCWRA secretary Michael Matilewski and president Rhiannon Philpot-Hale said they would give community members “a new dynamic voice”. Three community campaigners have also decided to run for council. Melton father and 979FM community radio host Simon Ellis and hospital campaigner John Southall were among the first to declare their intentions ahead of the October 27 poll.
