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.
Recently our CEO, Bronwen Clark, was invited to speak at the Urban Development Institute of Australia Western Australia (UDIA WA) event in Perth. Themed A Shared Vision for Urban Growth in our Cities: Understanding the Draft National Urban Policy and What It Means for Perth, this event brought together 200 WA town planners and developers from the private and public sectors.
Read moreAt today’s Victorian Housing Forum, Premier Jacinta Allen, Treasurer Tim Pallas and industry representatives discussed the pressing issues facing Victoria’s housing market. Over the past 30 years, the median house price in Melbourne has surged from 3.5 times the average income to 7 times, highlighting a critical need for policy intervention. Homelessness continues to be a stark indicator of policy gaps that require immediate attention.
Read moreIn light of the Climate Council’s recent report, ‘Next Stop Suburbia: Making Shared Transport Work for Everyone in Aussie Cities’, it is clear we need to address the growing demand for improved public and active transport in Australia’s fastest-growing outer cities and suburbs. The daily struggle of residents in these areas is a stark reminder that funding for public and active transport must be prioritised to ensure sustainable growth and improved quality of life.
Read moreOur submission on the Telecommunications in New Developments (TiND) policy has successfully informed national principles that will improve mobile connectivity in new developments and growth areas.
Developed by the Mobile Telecommunications Working Group established by the Minister for Communications, the Hon Michelle Rowland MP, the principles will ensure larger telecommunications infrastructure is included in the planning process for new developments and growth areas.
