Team Wood’s plan to transform Southbank Promenade

Lord Mayoral candidate Arron Wood wants to revitalise Southbank Promenade as part of a $28 million High Street Upgrade program, which will support hundreds of local businesses.

As part of the initiative, some of the City of Melbourne’s most popular shopping and dining strips would be upgraded to enhance pedestrian experience, featuring improved walkways and more greenery.

Eligible strips under the first phase of the program include Lygon St in Carlton, Errol St in North Melbourne, Domain Rd in South Yarra, Racecourse Rd in Kensington, Wellington Parade in East Melbourne, and Southbank Promenade.

“High streets throughout the City of Melbourne have been neglected by the current leadership at Town Hall and local businesses have suffered from a lack of investment and maintenance,” Mr Wood said.

“We will deliver these upgrades in a focused and targeted way to make our streets more beautiful and also safer for small businesses and their customers. Small businesses take immense pride in what they do and it’s time for Town Hall to do the same.”

The $28 million initiative would be implemented over four years using funds from the City of Melbourne’s infrastructure budget.

Mr Wood also emphasised that, if elected, he would work with local businesses and trader groups to “maximise benefits while also minimising disruption” as part of the upgrades.

“Anyone who has visited Southbank Promenade recently would be shocked at the state of the footpaths and gardens right along the river – Town Hall needs to do better,” he said.

Businesses right across the municipality deserve to thrive and a key part of that is delivering projects that complement and enhance our iconic high streets.

Having already announced his candidate for Deputy Lord Mayor in swimwear entrepreneur Erin Deering back in August, Mr Wood has now revealed his full team with current councillor Phil Le Liu at the top of the council ticket.

Filling the second position is former Greens councillor and Kensington local Dr Cathy Oke, who served on the council for 12 years between 2008 and 2020 and was awarded an Order of Australia Medal (OAM) for her service to local government and the environment in 2023.

Dr Oke was a valuable contributor to the City of Melbourne during her time as a councillor, largely working across the transport and environment portfolios, and currently she leads the University of Melbourne’s Centre for Cities.

Mr Wood said Dr Oke had a “deep understanding of the intersection between social equity and environmental sustainability complements our vision for a greener, fairer Melbourne”, adding that “her expertise will help guide our city toward a more inclusive, sustainable future.”

Despite serving on the council in different teams in the past, Dr Oke previously worked for Mr Wood’s environmental not-for-profit Kids Teaching Kids for 10 years before being elected in 2008.

Filling the number three and four spots on the Team Wood ticket respectively, are lawyer and former City of Melbourne councillor Nicolas Zervos, and proud Carlton resident and community leader Hala Nur.

Following them in fifth position is Michael Caiafa, who very briefly served as a councillor following the 2016 election before being removed due to a recount triggered by disqualified candidate Brook Wandin.

The final two positions on the Team Wood council ticket will be taken by Docklands resident and businesswoman Hope Wei, and strategic communications expert and Labor Party member Steve Michelson.

“Melbourne is a city built of forward thinking, hard work, innovation and a strong sense of community,” Mr Wood said.

“Our team reflects these values, with each member bringing a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to serving all of the city’s residents and businesses.” •