5 August 2021
Over three days and 26 presenters, the 2021 Symposium: Research and Practice from Australia’s growth areas was a resounding success. More than 190 delegates from local, state and federal government, academia and the private sector took part in the online event, held on 21and 28 July and 4 August 2021.
On Day 1 we heard from growth area Councils on planning sustainability, including setbacks to accommodate canopy trees and sub-catchment water management, as well as land use planning and practical action to build resilience into urban form and into communities.
Day 2 covered Growth Areas Rising to the Challenge with local government research and practice addressing gender equity; innovative engagement with youth; research into affordable and social housing; and nurturing home-based businesses.
Day 3 focused on infrastructure planning and delivery, with great examples of how local governments in growth areas are leading the way in finding new ways to address ongoing challenges, deliver better value and outcomes for communities and the environment, and provide a foundation for growth and innovation into the future.
Thanks to our 2021 Symposium partners for their support:
All Symposium delegates have access to session recordings until February 2022. Later this year, we will publish a detailed written report of all the presentations and the key lessons from Symposium. The case studies and research findings will add to the NGAA’s evidence base and will be incorporated into the NGAA Policy Platform.
We had a clear purpose for our recent trip to Canberra for the 2023 Parliamentary Showcase: to elevate the challenges faced by growth areas onto the federal agenda, foster networking opportunities for members, and gain deeper insights into the dynamics of their communities.
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The National Growth Areas Alliance (NGAA) wants to set the record straight in response to statements made by Chris Richardson on ABC’s Q&A program last night, stating that outer metro councils have already been saying “yes” and doing the heavy lifting on housing supply for the last 30 years. However, solving the current housing crisis is not the responsibility of local government alone.
Read moreThe NGAA visited Canberra last week for the 2023 Parliamentary showcase. Federal Minister for Infrastructure, the Hon. Catherine King MP, attended and addressed attendees, which included Mayors, Councillors and senior staff from NGAA member councils. It was a valuable networking opportunity as the event was also attended by federal ministers who represent the growth areas our members are from.
Read moreReliable mobile phone coverage is not just a matter of convenience; it is a fundamental necessity for communities. In an age where connectivity is integral to our daily lives, we are advocating for a proactive approach to mobile infrastructure planning, ensuring that all Australians, regardless of their location, have access to consistent and reliable phone reception.
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