Melbourne Assembly live: Ex-New York mayor, PM share visions to improve liveability

Key Posts8.31am$350m for better liveability in VictoriaBy Cara WatersVictoria will receive $350 million to improve community infrastructure in growing suburbs and regional hubs, making it the first state to qualify for the federal government’s bonus aimed at improving services.The funding commitment to improve liveability comes as former New York mayor Bill de Blasio warns that new developments across Melbourne need to have 25 per cent mandated affordable housing to help tackle the city’s housing crisis.Bill de Blasio snaps a photo near Flinders Street Station while on a walking tour of Melbourne with city editor Cara Waters.Eddie JImDe Blasio will tell Melbourne Assembly that affordable housing supply around the world has failed to keep up with population, employment changes and pricing.“A city without enough affordable housing will simply fail,” he says.8.31amToday’s highlightsBy Gemma GrantAt Melbourne Assembly today, we will hear about two of the conference’s key pillars – shaping the city and innovation and education.This morning, former New York City mayor Bill de Blasio will deliver a keynote address on shaping the city, followed by a Q&A session with Cara Waters, The Age’s city editor.Former New York City mayor Bill de Blasio (left) speaks at Melbourne Assembly alongside Carlos Moreno last night.Jason SouthMelbourne Lord Mayor Nick Reece will also address the forum.Waters returns to lead a panel discussion on shaping the city with De Blasio, former Victorian premier Steve Bracks, Grattan Institute chief executive Aruna Sathanapally, Professor Dan HIll, director of the Melbourne School of Design at Melbourne University’s Faculty of Architecture, Building and Planning and Sarah Lyn Rees, associate principal at Jackson Clement Burrows Architects.8.30amWelcomeBy Cassandra MorganGood morning and welcome to day two of Melbourne Assembly, a landmark civic forum hosted by The Age and the University of Melbourne, bringing together industry leaders, key decision-makers and the community to shape the city’s future.Please join us as we bring you all the news live from The Edge at Federation Square.The Melbourne Assembly audience on Monday night.Jason SouthToday’s key themes are shaping the city and innovation and education.Former New York City mayor Bill de Blasio returns to the stage this morning to deliver a keynote address. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will address the forum this afternoon.1 of 1