Cr Camillo wants Melbourne to be most liveable city again

Restoring Melbourne as the world’s most liveable city, boosting tourism, and improving city amenities and basic council service delivery will be priorities for newly elected City of Melbourne councillor Rafael Camillo.

The long time CBD resident told CBD News he was “happy” and “surprised” to be elected, and he looked forward to working to represent the views of the city’s residents and businesses.

“Twenty-two per cent [of Victoria’s gross state product or GSP] is generated in the City of Melbourne,” Cr Camillo said.

“It’s a pretty impressive number that’s not spoken about enough. From Docklands to West Melbourne, Carlton to Southbank, we need to give back to those communities. We need to do more for them.”

Cr Camillo also pledged to remain staunchly independent through his tenure.

“I remain focused on the voices of residents and small businesses,” he said. “I want to hear from them.”

He is already well entrenched in the CBD as the president of local representative body Residents 3000 for the past six years.

Residents 3000 vice-president Susan Saunders told CBD News that Cr Camillo would remain as president “for the time being”.

“As a community group of volunteers, we are delighted to have Rafael communicate the views and aspirations of our members through his new role on the council,” Ms Saunders said.

Cr Camillo said he worked during the day and campaigned at night throughout the City of Melbourne elections.

“I walked every corner of this town, through places and laneways and spoke with so many people,” he said.

“To see how diverse and multicultural this city is, and to hear the different needs people have in different parts of the city, was amazing.”

Consistent feedback received from locals included the proper delivery of council services, safety and the cost of living.

“I want to make sure the council is getting the basics right,” Cr Camillo said. “That’s the most important thing.”

“The state government also needs to listen more to the City of Melbourne and Melburnians.”

“When I first moved here [from Brazil] as an international student, Melbourne was ranked number one as the world’s most liveable city,” he said.

“But a lot has changed since then, I want to work to help us get back there.” •