Media Clippings
Highlights from recent media coverage of Committee for Melbourne's initiatives.
2008
Small steps can reduce climate damage, 'The Age', 28-07-08 Called FutureMap, the report by the Committee for Melbourne — an influential collection of business and community leaders and academics — spells out the "locked-in" climate shifts we can expect over the next two decades regardless of what we do, including more hot days, less rain but more intense storms, and more bushfires.
Government supports Melbourne's FutureMap report, 'Premier of Victoria website', 24-07-08 The Brumby Government has welcomed the release of the Committee for Melbourne’s FutureMap report from the committee’s Climate Change Taskforce. Environment and Climate Change Minister Gavin Jennings welcomed the report and called on Victorian organisations to develop plans to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions.
Making Melbourne cool. It's about altitude, 'The Age', 24-07-08 Melbourne's homes and high-rises would undergo forced upgrades to cut greenhouse emissions under a business-driven blueprint for the city to cope with climate change. The plan - by the influential Committee for Melbourne - also calls for mass planting of rooftop gardens across the CBD and the introduction of a legal right to build up to six storeys along main roads to encourage public transport use. The recommendations are part of FutureMap: Melbourne 2030, billed as a unique report that analyses the predicted climate change impact on one city and offers ways to tackle it.
Tax anomalies in ETS worry committee, 'The Age', 24-07-08 The Committee for Melbourne will call on the Federal Government to scrap perverse subsidies such as tax concessions on company cars as part of its emissions trading scheme. In a planned submission in response to the Government's green paper, the committee will also suggest that the Government not offer assistance to households in the form of cash payments.
Radical plans drafted to prepare Melbourne for climate change, 'Herald Sun', 24-07-08 Key lobby group the Committee For Melbourne has drafted recommendations to retrofit city buildings and make the public transport system green, to prepare Melbourne for the threat of global warming. The Futuremap report handed to the Government today reveals Melburnians are already living with the effects of climate change including increased sea levels at Williamstown, hotter days, drier weather and more frequent storms. The report calls for immediate action from government, business and the wider community.
What lies beneath - opening doors to the architectural treasures of the city, 'Herald Sun', 19-07-08 Open House is already a popular event in Dublin, New York and London. The inaugural (and free) local version is driven by the Future Focus Group (FFG) of the Committee For Melbourne, in collaboration with the Melbourne International Design Festival.
The keys to Melbourne, 'Herald Sun', 30-06-08 Some of central Melbourne's finest buildings will throw open their doors to give the public a behind-the-scenes look at the city's hidden architectural treasures. Unrepcedented access will be given inside eight landmark buildings in the city centre on July 20.
Ranking on unis a bonus for city, 'The Age', 26-05-08
Australia can lead on sustainability, with our city at the head of the pack, 'The Age', 15-05-08
Beyond 2030: Prosperity - a richer city, 'The Age', 05-05-08
$150M Jolimont facelift draws fire, 'Herald Sun', 29-04-08
Big ideas, bigger personalities, 'The Age', 21-04-08
Big names answer Rudd's call to action, 'The Age', 29-03-08
United in black and white, 'Herald Sun', 22-03-08
Committee for Melbourne way ahead, 'The Age', 13-03-08
Many hands make planning hard work, 'The Age', 07-03-08
Tomorrow town, 'The Age', 05-03-08
Blues and Saints to keep on seeing the light, 'The Age', 05-03-08
The wild wild west, 'The AFR Magazine', 03-08
Pedal to the metal in solving gridlock, 'The Age', 24-02-08
Bay dredge lawyers slammed, 'The Age', 23-02-08
Murphy moves up to the ministry, 'Life Scientist', 14-02-08
Call made for Tasmanian sea highway, 'The Age', 13-02-08
Business leaders welcome uniform rules, 'thedaily.com.au', 12-02-08
Gridlock on the highway of transport ideas, 'The Age', 05-02-08
2007
Finalists have time in the sun, 'Herald Sun', 09-10-07
Networking, 'The Age', 06-10-07 Speakers at the National Breast Cancer Foundation "Pink Will" event include Sally Capp, Committee for Melbourne CEO.
Women finally get a place at the table, 'The Australian', 06-10-07
$8.3b roads plea ignored, 'Herald Sun', 29-09-07
Education funding and regulation: by whom, for whom?, 'The Age', 07-09-07
Dogs boss wants answers, 'Herald Sun', 03-09-07
Dogs are barking about a season of whimpering, 'Real Footy Online', 03-09-07
Bulldogs search for missing yelp in AFL, 'The Age Online', 02-09-07
So, Melbourne, what's the Big Idea?, 'The Age', 02-09-07
Open letter to Melburnians, 'The Age', 02-09-07
Why business must learn to engage with universities, 'The Age', 31-08-07
Power to people gains some energy, 'The Age', 23-08-07
Unis link to become hub of learning, 'The Age', 22-08-07
Melbourne risks status as uni city 'The Age' 20-08-07 LEADING business and university chiefs have warned that Melbourne's higher education system is at a tipping point and requires urgent action if the city hopes to maintain or improve its status as the fifth best city in the world to establish a university.
Living proof our cities are tops 'The Australian' 15-08-07 A NEW global ranking puts Melbourne fifth and Sydney sixth among the world's top 20 university cities.
Industry tells Brumby to dig deep, 'The Age' 31-07-07
Northbank plan inspires readers, 'Herald Sun, 20-07-07
Submissions of Haiku about Melbourne, 'Haiku Oz Online' 12-07-07
New horizons set positive challenges, 'The Age' 09-07-07 Many of the Committee for Melbourne's members have already been instrumental in leading this wave of reform and our new Climate Change Taskforce is coordinating an adaptation plan that builds on their existing capacities and skills.
Rivalry set to go through the roof, 'The Sydney Morning Herald' 30-06-07
Students plunge into city design, 'Herald Sun Online' 28-06-07
Summertime, the livin' is easy for top brass, 'The Age' 27-06-07 New Committee for Melbourne chief executive Sally Capp is on a European holiday with family for the next seven weeks.
Melbourne leads UN project, 'The Age' 21-06-07 The Committee for Melbourne is leading a global cities program that could redefine corporate responsibility. The United Nations has appointed the committee secretariat for the program, which aims to link the UN Global Compact (UNGC) agenda on human rights, labour, anti-corruption and the environment to urban issues that could include waste management, climate change, housing, water and poverty.
The axe for Melbourne 2030 group, 'Australian Financial Review' 14-06-07 A group drawn from members of the Committee for Melbourne, building and property industry peak bodies, the Royal Automobile Club of Victoria, Trades Hall, Save Our Suburbs and local government, was established in March 2003 for the Melbourne 2030 planning blueprint and is about to be scrapped as the Victorian government reviews the strategy.
Musical chairs at KPMG, 'The Age' 07-06-09
Well networked, 'Letter from Melbourne' 01-06-07 Sally Capp, aged 39, lawyer, and more recently ANZ banker and first female director of the Collingwood Football Club, commences her new job as CEO of the Committee for Melbourne, in August.
New girl on the block, 'Saturday Herald Sun' 02-06-07 Sally Capp will soon be running the powerful Committee for Melbourne forum. The sports junkie talks about the city she loves.
No-show by So signals trouble in southern city, 'The Weekend Australian Financial Review' 02-06-07 David Teller, acting Chief Executive of powerful lobby group Committee for Melbourne, said a thriving central business district, new investment and strong population growth were taking their toll.
Transport's no delight, 'Herald Sun' 30-05-07
Flinders St station repair call 'ignored', 'News.com.au' 29-05-07
Councillor slams Government over Flinders Street Station, 'ABC News Online' 29-05-07
Flinders St future railroaded, 'Herald Sun' 29-05-07
Keating stirs an old rivalry, 'Herald Sun' 29-05-07
New boss commits to steering Melbourne's future, 'The Age' 26-05-07 Sally Capp, 39, has just been appointed to one of Melbourne's most high-profile and highly coveted positions: chief executive of the Committee for Melbourne.
My big idea, 'The Melbourne Magazine' 25-05-07
Sydney should be nation's capital: Keating, 'ABC Radio' 24-05-07
The woman taking Melbourne to the world, 'The Age' 24-05-07 Sally Capp doesn't start in her new role as chief executive of the Committee for Melbourne until August, but already she's winning the admiration of younger female staff.
Former Perth exec takes helm of Committee for Melbourne, 'WA Business News' 23-05-07
Western toll option under fire, 'The Age' 09-05-07
Storm rages on jibe by senator, 'The Age' 04-05-07 Janine Kirk, who presided over the influential Committee for Melbourne for more than a decade and is partner at Ernst and Young, said the senator reflected values of the past.
CSR is not just a corporate fad, 'The Age' 03-05-07 I regard the Committee for Melbourne as a successful exercise in corporate social responsibility. Over the past 20 years, its members have put up money, people and expertise to help make the community economically connected, and liveable.
Who's doing what: A partial snapshot, 'The Age' 21-04-07 The sweetest sound, 'The Herald Sun' 17-04-07
Keeney, J. 2007. Thinking of the city, 83-85, Autumn. John Keeney looks at the Committee for Melbourne, a marketable example of how business can help government think and act.
Groups want more power for people, 'The Age' 16-03-07 Social welfare groups say a breakthrough agreements intiatied by the Committee for Melbourne to help disadvantaged people pay their water and electricity bills, does not go far enough.
Kowsky vows grand lady not forgotten, 'Herald Sun' 21-02-07 A $150,000 report into the future of the ballroom, was prepared by the Committee for Melburne, and looks at a range of options including community use and an art incubator concept.
New fund for medical research, 'The Age' 30-01-07 Like several biotech advocates and the Committee for Melbourne before him, Dr Nave said the biggest obstacle to the commercialisation of these ideas was lack of a mature Australian venture-capital industry.
Government focus, 'BRW' 18-01-07 An expected increase in public-sector spending following the Victorian election last year has led accounting firm Ernst & Young to bolster the ranks of its government practice by poaching Committee for Melbourne Executive Director Janine Kirk.
Our big challenges: Great city but improvements needed, say leaders, 'Herald Sun' 18-01-07 The annual Business Survey was conducted late last year by the Committee for Melbourne, an independent think tank.
No congestion tax in transport plan, 'The Age' 15-01-07 Executive Director of the Committee for Melbourne Ms Janine Kirk corrected an artice regarding congestion tax.
Melbourne powerbroker takes up new challenge, 'The Age' 12-01-07 After guiding the Committee for Melbourne for half its 21 years, Ms Janine Kirk AM will use her diplomatic skills to head Ernst & Young's government practice unit.
Janine Kirk going private, 'Herald Sun' 12-01-07 The head of a Melbourne think-tank, the Committee for Melbourne, has resigned to join the private sector.
2006
The Prize writers, page 2, 'The Age' 11-11-06 The prizes are a part of a three-year cycle of prizes - the others being music and sculpture - presented by the Melbourne Prize Trust, in conjunction with the Committee for Melbourne.
Cleese a monty for city award, 'The Herald Sun' 03-11-06 The Faulty Towers star and Lord Mayor John So were presented with the Committee for Melbourne Achiever Awards early November.
Melbourne Cares Awards Outstanding Contribution, 'Melbourne Cares, Simon Says' 03-11-06. Mr Simon McKeon, Chairman, Melbourne Cares, made the presentation to Dennis Cavagna, Managing Director, South East Water, at the Committee for Melbourne’s Wrapped in Melbourne Annual Dinner attended by more than 1,000 guests including special guest Mr John Cleese.
Victoria plan coaxes top talent home, 'The Financial Review' 23-10-06 Executive Director of the Committee for Melbourne Ms Janine Kirk AM, helps bring back the expatriate scientist from Scotland after being offered a fellowship sponsored by the Victorian Endowment for Science, Knowledge and Innovation (VESKI). Ms Kirk is currently on the VESKI board.
Artists' colony for grand old station?, 'The Age' 07-10-06
Innovation remains key to future prosperity, 'The Age' 07-08-06 The Committee for Melbourne and BioMelbourne Network have both long advocated for improvements to Melbourne's and Australia's innovation environment to ensure our long term wealth and global competitiveness.
Bracks questions committee's politics, 'The Courier' 03-08-06 Premier Steve Bracks launched an attack on the Committee for Ballarat yesterday, claiming the organisation is working against the interests of the city.
Wanted: Ideas to shake Perth out of its slumber, 'The West' 29-07-06 Perth is modelled on the 20-year-old Committee for Melbourne, which provided much of the intellectual clout behind projects such as the Docklands redevelopment and CityLink freeway.
How the Kennet factor turned Victoria's Bleak city into Chic city, 'The West' 29-07-06 The Committee for Melbourne takes credit for the $9 billion Docklands urban renewal. A diverse group of prominent Melburnians formed a committee and provided a forum for big ideas. The embryonic Committee for Perth hopes to do the same.
Merger meltdown for dynasty built of steel, 'The Age' 27-07-06 Smorgon Steel chairman Mr Graham Smorgon became president of Carlton Football club this year, while Mr Jack Smorgon AO was Chairman of the Committee for Melbourne.
Melbourne's public transport will benefit if wheels on the buses go round and round, 'The Age' 26-04-06 The Committee for Melbourne's five year public transport plan, released in November, recognises that a liveable Melbourne is simply not feasible without substantial investment in public transport.
From cultural building to cafe precinct, 'The Age' 22-07-06 Committee for Melbourne Executive Director Ms Janine Kirk AM said a Central Pier project would need joint public-private funding.
Catching the Rooku Express, New Zealand Poet Society 22-06-06 Mr Stuart Weir, a member of the Future Focus Group programme and Partner at Allens Arthur Robinson, approached train operator Connex about displaying art and poetry after seeing similar initiatives in London, New York and Stockholm.
Residents Honoured, 'Stonnington Leader' 20-06-06 Ms Janine Kirk, Executive Director of the Committee for Melbourne who was also appointed a Member of the Order of Australia, said she felt compelled to keep pushing the boundaries.
Talking Point, 'The Age' 17-06-06 Committee for Melbourne's Executive Director Ms Janine Kirk shares her views on what should be done to the Lonsdale Street power station.
Committee for Melbourne inspires students, Mentone Grammar School 16-06-06 The Executive Director of the Committee for Melbourne provided words of wisdom for senior students of Mentone Grammar School.
Partnerships key to city's wellbeing, 'The Age' 15-06-06 Enhancing the quality of life for people in Melbourne is the Committee for Melbourne's reason for being.
Recognition for Stonnington 15, 'Stonnington Leader' 13-06-06 The Committee for Melbourne's Executive Director recognised among 14 other Stonnington residents for their Queen's birthday honours.
Poetic value with your metcard, Victorian Writer 06-06 This travelling exhibition of art and poetry, an initiative of the Future Focus Group program of the Committee for Melbourne, takes the creative works of an artistic community and places them in a more public, accessible realm.
New push for airport link: Plane-train back again, 'Herald Sun' 26-05-06 The Property Council of Australia, the Public Transport Users Association and the Committee for Melbourne have backed a train line to Tullamarine.
Victorian Government - Gets it right for buses, 'Australasian Bus News' 19-05-06 Research that the Bus Association Victoria conducted for the Committee for Melbourne's Transport Taskforce shows that their initiative and bus service improvements will generate benefits of about three times the costs involved.
Government ignores its own objectives in master plan, 'The Age' 18-05-06 The Committee for Melbourne have concluded that for Melbourne to be on track for 20/20/20, 130 million more public transport trips would be needed per year by 2011.
Roo-coup, 'Inpress' 10-05-06 Moving Galleries, an initiative of the Future Focus Group program, filled Melbourne's trains with graffiti-proof stickers called 'decals'.
City roads shutdown, 'Herald Sun' 04-05-06 The Committee for Melbourne has lobbied for a tunnel linking the Eastern Freeway with the Tullamarine Freeway.
War declared on disadvantage, 'The Age' 13-04-06 A MacroMelbourne committee, comprising Melbourne Cares, the Committee for Melbourne, the Victorian Local Governance Association and RMIT University for Applied Social Research, will help their constituents develop strategies to deal with Melbourne's emerging issues in a new way.
AFL bid to push game in the Gulf, 'The Age' 13-04-06 Melbourne Footbal Club's chief executive Mr Steve Harris hopes to get the Committee for Melbourne involved in the bid to secure a pre-season game in the United Arab Emirates early next year.
Sayings rattle on, 'Melbourne Yarra Leader' 12-04-06 Moving Galleries was inspired by similar drives for art in public transport in London, New York and Stockholm and is an initiative of the Future Focus Group young leadership development program.
Training commuters to appreciate the fine art of travel, 'The Age' 07-04-06 With the Committee for Melbourne and the support of train company Connex, the six-month Moving Galleries pilot project will fill 120 carriages with images and rooku - a local variant of the Japanese poetry form haiku.
Student artists promote a train of thought, 'MX' 06-04-06 The Moving Galleries exhibition, commissioned by the Committee for Melbourne, started rolling today.
Worst traffic snarl named, 'The Age' 06-04-06 The Collins St and Elizabeth St intersection has been voted the city's worst bottleneck in the Herald Sun and Committee for Melbourne survey of business leaders.
Paper gives stark new take on corporate philanthropy, 'The Age' 06-04-06 The Melbourne Community Foundation has teamed up with the Committee for Melbourne and it's not-for-profit offshoot, Melbourne Cares, and others to commission the MacroMelbourne Initiative discussion paper.
Things that matter, 'Australian Financial Review Boss' 04-06 Ms Janine Kirk, Executive Director of the Committee for Melbourne, tells how a miniature bronze of Norman Lindsay's classic children's story The Magic Pudding embodies creative leadership.
'Friendly' Melbourne banks interest, 'The Age' 30-03-06 The first edition of the Australian Cities Global Relevance Index 2005 is shared at a Committee for Melbourne hosted event.
Rail bridge would choke Docklands, warns critics, 'The Age' 12-03-06 Committee for Melbourne's Executive Director Janine Kirk said Melbourne needed more freight to be transported by rail, but that a low bridge across the Yarra was not the answer.
Public transport gives more than takes, 'The Age' 07-02-06 Bus Association Victoria and the Committee for Melbourne suggest benefits from a major upgrade program will be worth about three times the costs involved.
Plan to axe cars from city centre, 'The Age' 01-02-06 The council has backed away from its previous interest in a multi-billion dollar road and rail link, proposed by the influential Committee for Melbourne that would have connected the Eastern Freeway to the Western Ring Road at Deer Park.
Efforts acknowledged, 'The Mail' 01-02-06 The desire to give something back to the community was instilled in Highpoint property group director Ms Carol Shwartz and helped put her among the 662 people recognised in the Australia Day Honours.
How sleepy hollow woke from its slumber, 'The Age - Insight' 28-01-06 Committee for Melbourne works behind the scenes of the Geelong's think tank.
Smorgon pushes on, 'The Australian' 26-01-06 Mr Jack Smorgon AO, Chairman of the Future Focus Group, turns 70 this year but shows no sign of easing his work rate.
Melbourne's most senior member, page 2, 'Neos Kosmos' 09-01-06 When the father of the Committee's Chairman arrived in Australia in 1950 an immigration official suggested, "Papageorgiou is very long; you should call yourself 'Pappas'".
Big Ideas, 'The Herald Sun Weekend' 07-01-06 Wave machines on Port Phillip Bay, water buses on the Yarra and giant tubs of lollies lining the footpaths. Executive Director, Ms Janine Kirk shares her big ideas for Melbourne.
Ease our traffic, 'Herald Sun' 02-01-06 Fixing traffic congestion is the biggest issue confronting our city, the Committee for Melbourne believes.
Games boss tops pick, 'Herald Sun' 02-01-06 Executive Director of the Committee for Melbourne, Ms Janine Kirk, suggests Melbourne's biggest concern in a 'Herald Sun' survey.
Free up the Roads, 'Herald Sun - Editorial' 03-01-06 Melbourne's reputation as a vibrant and dynamic city is rapidly growing, but the downside is a severely clogged road network according to the Committee for Melbourne.
2005
Grinding to a halt, 'Herald Sun' 07-11-06
Long delays expected, 'Herald Sun - Editorial' 07-11-05
Super plan for biotechs, 'The Age - Business' 08-09-05
Call for urgent action in biotech push, 'The Age - Business' 16-06-05 Drip-fed: Australia's investment in venture capital is one of the lowest among the developed countries.
Victoria sees super funds as rich source of capital, 'The Australian Financial Review' 10-06-05 The Victorian government and the influential Committee for Melbourne are looking at ways to make it easier for local companies and projects to attract investment from superannuation funds.
Traffic Woes to run over Games, 'Herald Sun' 11-06-05
Group warns of city crisis, 'Herald Sun' 01-06-05
Transport Lobby shows road rage, 'The Age' 02-06-05
Unlocking gridlock, 'Herald Sun - Editorial' 02-06-05
Bosses warn of gridlock, 'Herald Sun' 01-06-05
A plea for a smart transport plan, 'The Age' 01-06-05
Melbourne transport overhaul needed, says lobby group, Trucks and Bus website 06-05
Union with utilities to help customers see through the debt wall, 'The Age - Business' 05-05
Union with utilities to help customers see through the debt wall, 'The Age - Business' 04-05
Care Factor, 'Melbourne Magazine' 04-05 State and Federal governments have been playing handball with much-needed social programs.
Less thought, more action, 'Melbourne Yarra Leader' 11-04-05 The Committee for Melbourne is often referred to as a think tank.
Face Forward: the view from the top of the town, 'The Age - Business' 04-05
A compassionate city wins royal endorsement, 'The Age' 03-05
The bus trip that led to a more caring Melbourne, 'The Age' 03-05
Coburg kids will charm a prince, 'Herald Sun' 03-05
Royals here in March, 'Herald Sun' 02-05 Swedish Princess and Prince of Wales visit Melbourne
2004
Old foes channel resources, 'Herald Sun - News' 21-12-04 Business and union leaders have formed to campaign for the $550 million plan to deepen Port Phillip Bay's shipping channel.
Creative concept to put city in top class, 'The Age - News' 16-12-06 Is Melbourne Leveraging it's Creativity?
Chief wish for city, 'Herald Sun' 15-11-04 City leaders have pinpointed improved public transport as Melbourne's single biggest need.
In Sydney's shadow, 'Herald Sun' 15-11-04 Sydney has overtaken long-time rival Melbourne as the nation's business hub, industry chiefs say.
City power goes to our heads, 'Herald Sun' 15-11-04 Premier Steve Bracks and Commonwealth Games boss Ron Walker are Melbourne's most influential leaders of 2004, a Herald Sun survey reveals.
Transport tops wish list, 'Herald Sun' 15-11-04 Fixing the public transport system is the single most important issue confronting our city.
City's name on new, annual prize, 'The Age - A3' 12-11-04 Simon Warrender and Gerard Vaughan this week launched a new art prize with $100,000 annually.
Our noble prize, 'Herald Sun' 12-11-04 The $100,000 annual Melbourne Prize, one of Australia's richest arts awards was launched this week.
Generation next, 'Melbourne Magazine' 08-04
Events - Our Melbourne, 'Letter from Melbourne' 06-04 The Committee for Melbourne, executive director Janine Kirk, presented their Achiever Awards for an educationalist, an animator and an architect who made significant contributions to Melbourne at their Annual Dinner, 'Creative Melbourne'.
Touring the real Melbourne, 'Melbourne Leader' 06-04 Future Focus Group Melbourne Walk
Model City Sets Pace for Globe, 'The Australian Financial Review' 05-04 Utility Debt Spiral Project
Scene + Heard, 'Melbourne Magazine' 04-04 Committee for Melbourne/Victorian Olympic Committee ‘Gods of Sport Meet Gods of Industry’
Victorian Budget Precursor, 'The Australian Financial Review' 04-04 Channel Deepening, Plenary Facility
Call to cut Vic payroll tax, 'The Australian Financial Review' 04-04
Fewer living in our most liveable city, 'The Australian Financial Review' 02-04
High Flyer, 'Herald Sun - Weekend magazine' 10-01-04 Janine Kirk is the woman behind many of Melbourne's most dynamic projects, but she'd be just as happy fly-fishing.  |
