People have come to Melbourne in growing numbers and diversity, creating new ways of living, learning and conducting business. The rapid innovation and adoption of new technologies has uncovered opportunities, brought disruption and shaped new expectations.

Although Melbourne takes the title of the world’s most liveable city, it is subject to global trends and impacts that affect all cities such as intense urbanisation, climate change, shifting economies and population ageing.

To prepare for what lies ahead, the City of Melbourne together with RMIT University, are inviting the community to be part of the Future Melboure 2026 conversation.

RMIT will be hosting a series of six engaging, concise and fast-paced Pecha Kutcha-style presentations delivered by leading academics and urban researchers exploring ideas and innovations around Melbourne’s future Urban Growth and Density.

Speakers will be:

• Professor Jago Dodson: Moving in the Electric Dream
• Associate Professor Sarah Bekessy: High Density Living with Nature: Having your Cake and Eating it Too
• Professor Tony Dalton: When the ‘Fringe’ is the Future: Land and Housing Development in Melbourne’s Growth Areas
• Dr Joe Hurley: Increasing Melbourne’s Urban Density: Capacity or Conflict?
• Mr Ian Woodcock: Movement, Space & Connectivity in a City of Eight Million
• Associate Professor Libby Porter: Melbourne is Aboriginal Land – Always Was, Always Will Be

Audience members will also be invited to participate in a Q&A panel discussion with the above speakers.

This is your chance to help shape the conversation and the future of our city.

Image by Adam Selwood