Could Melbourne become a 15-minute city?

Melbourne may currently rank as a 17-minute city, but a panel of leading urban thinkers believes we can do better – and they’re inviting locals to help shape the conversation.

The next instalment of the City of Melbourne’s free public lecture series, Melbourne Conversations, will explore what it would take for the city to become a true 15-minute city, where work, school, healthcare, shopping and recreation are all accessible within a short walk, ride or public transport trip.

Titled Melbourne Conversations: The 15-Minute City, the event will be held at Fed Square on Monday, May 12 from 6pm to 7.15pm. The panel will feature Lord Mayor Nick Reece, urban futurist Lucinda Hartley, Associate Professor Crystal Legacy from the University of Melbourne, and urban storyteller Julian O’Shea.

Inspired by the work of Professor Carlos Moreno, whose 15-minute city model helped reshape Paris, the discussion will explore how Melbourne can become more liveable, sustainable and inclusive through smarter urban design.

While no Australian capital city currently meets the 15-minute benchmark, Hobart leads the national rankings at 16 minutes, followed by Melbourne and Canberra at 17 minutes, according to the most recent Nature Cities data.

Event organisers say the goal is not only about proximity but about improving quality of life – and ensuring that communities are better connected to the services they rely on every day.

The event is free to attend and open to the public.