Monash Liveability Coalition plans to send out questionnaires to each candidate, asking them how they will address issues such as planning, loss of public open space, public transport and traffic congestion.

The coalition did not rule out endorsing like-minded candidates but would not comment on whether it will stand candidates in November's election.

MLC spokeswoman Marian Quartly said the coalition's concerns could be summed up under the banner: "Is Monash still a great place to live?''

Some of their concerns were the need for more comprehensive public transport, including more convenient bus services and more whole-hearted council support for a Huntingdale-Rowville rail line.

Other concerns were threats of the loss of council power to halt inappropriate developments in the suburbs - something Monash Council has also strongly opposed.

"We don't pretend to have all the answers, but we want to raise them as issues.''

She said the coalition was looking for "commitment and concern'' from would-be councillors.

Spokesman John Shrives feared Monash's ideal of leafy streets could be slowly eroding away.

He said he remembered parks everywhere around Brandon Park, but now children had to cross six-lane Ferntree Gully Road to get to a park.

"It used to be great to live here to raise families. It used to be green, uncluttered and close to great facilities.''

Asked about liveability, Mayor Paul Klisaris said Monash was a thriving community and "clearly a highly desirable location to work in, judging by the level of growth in the city''.

He said the council played a large role in contributing to "liveability'', including providing infrastructure, such as the Clayton Community Centre, and human services, such as child and maternal health nurses.

"Pleasingly, in the recent community satisfaction survey results, our residents gave our services and facilities a good pass mark.''

The mayor said a vegetation protection overlay protected the city's garden character.

He said traffic congestion and public transport were wider issues that affected Melbourne as a whole.

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