Council backs China and Japan travel report

City of Melbourne councillors have unanimously endorsed a report outlining the outcomes of recent delegations to China and Japan, with the visits focused on sustainability, innovation, trade and international city partnerships.

The report, considered at the August 4 Future Melbourne Committee meeting, covered three separate trips undertaken by Deputy Lord Mayor Roshena Campbell and councillors Rafael Camillo and Andrew Rowse.

Cr Campbell represented Melbourne at the Global City Network for Sustainability Leaders Summit and SusHi Tech Tokyo in April, joining leaders from 55 cities and participating in discussions on urban planning, climate resilience and the growing impact of data centres.

She also presented Melbourne’s approach to balancing the economic opportunities of data infrastructure with pressures on energy, water, land use and community amenity.

Cr Camillo travelled to Chengdu in May for the International Friendship Cities Cooperation and Development Conference, where he delivered a keynote address on Melbourne’s approach to sustainable development, innovation and global city collaboration.

The visit also strengthened Melbourne’s relationship with Chengdu under a four-year memorandum of understanding signed in 2024, while creating new links across education, technology and investment.

Cr Andrew Rowse attended the Global Industrial Technology Innovation Conference and Australia-China Innovation Week in Shanghai and Nanjing in June (pictured main).

The program included speaking engagements, business meetings and site visits focused on artificial intelligence, robotics, clean technology, advanced manufacturing and innovation precincts.

Among the outcomes was support for 12 Melbourne startups to meet Chinese investors and commercial partners, as well as the launch of the 2026 Melbourne-Nanjing Nexus Innovation Program.

The report also noted a memorandum of understanding between Melbourne-based health technology company PredicTx and Alibaba East China, aimed at supporting the commercialisation of AI-enabled healthcare technology in China.

Lord Mayor Nick Reece thanked the councillors for representing Melbourne and praised the low cost of the delegations to ratepayers.

Cr Campbell’s visit cost the council $113.93, Cr Camillo’s $571.15 and Cr Rowse’s $478.18, with most travel and accommodation expenses covered by host organisations.

“Thank you for counting your pennies and keeping those trip costs to the ratepayer very lean indeed,” Cr Reece said.

He said the report demonstrated the practical value of Melbourne’s participation in international forums.

Cr Kevin Louey also commended the delegates for promoting Melbourne’s strengths in urban design, city greening and innovation.

“I think each picture tells a thousand words,” Cr Louey said, referring to the detailed photographic record included in the report.

“They show how active and how strongly you promote Melbourne.”

Cr Louey also highlighted Cr Camillo’s work in strengthening ties with Chengdu, noting a large delegation from the city had visited Melbourne in May to promote two-way exchange and the “very fiery” Sichuan cuisine.

The report found the visits had enhanced Melbourne’s international profile, created new business and education opportunities and provided useful insights into emerging technologies, urban management and sustainable city development.