About the NGAA
Our Vision
The NGAA works with, and on behalf of, our Councils to achieve our vision for Australian cities where residents have equitable access to housing, jobs, education, health services, cultural activities and the physical and community infrastructure that support these outcomes – no matter where they live.
Our Role
NGAA is the peak body for local governments in Australia’s outer metropolitan growth areas and advocates to state and federal governments on growth area challenges and opportunities. Together, we represent more than five million people living in Australia’s fast-growing suburbs and are united by shared experiences of population growth rates at double the national average and long-term under-investment in vital infrastructure.
NGAA Members Lunch at ALGA, June 2023
We take an evidence-based approach, with a Policy Platform built on the foundations of our comprehensive research strategy. We also help to develop Alliance Councils' capacity to deliver good growth through best practice case studies, policy discussions, officer-level networks and our program of events bringing the best and latest speakers on growth issues.
Our Alliance
The NGAA is funded by membership fees to represent the interests of our Partner Councils. In recognition of the different stages of growth of eligible Councils, our membership fees are on a sliding scale to be affordable for all Councils regardless of size. you can read our Membership Prospectus here. Our membership categories are:
Partner Councils - Outer Metropolitan Growth Councils whose cities, suburbs and towns are in established, emerging or future population growth areas on the outskirts of capital cities (within metropolitan boundaries). Population growth rates are, have been or are projected to be at least 2% pa.
Supporters - Councils located outside NGAA geographic areas who are also experiencing rapid population growth and wish to participate in research, policy development and professional capacity building.
Partners - organisations with an interest in growth areas, including State and Federal Government and research organisations, and other Local Government groups.
For more information about eligibility and fees, contact Bronwen Clark, Chief Executive Officer.
Our Governance
NGAA is governed by a Strategic Advisory Committee of Mayors and Councillors from across Australia. A Chair and Deputy Chair is elected from within the Committee. See the NGAA Governance Manual for more details.
An additional management committee of local government senior executives guides the day to day work of the NGAA Secretariat. Our small Secretariat includes Research and Policy and Communications specialists.
The Strategic Advisory Committee members elected by NGAA Member Councils:
- Mayor Terresa Lynes, City of Gosnells (Interim Chair)
- Cr Matthew Deeth, Shire of Wollondilly
- Cr Todd Carney, Penrith City Council
- Mayor David Leach, Mount Barker District Council
- Mayor Glenn Docherty, City of Playford
- Cr Joseph Haweil, Hume City Council
- Cr Stephanie Davies, Cardinia Shire Council
- Cr Peter Maynard, Wyndham City Council
- Cr Tom Widenbar, Deputy Mayor, City of Cockburn
NGAA Team
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Mayor Terresa Lynes
NGAA Interm Chair, Mayor, City of Gosnells
Mayor Terresa Lynes, the new Interim Chair of the National Growth Areas Alliance, brings over 30 years of community dedication to her role. A long-time resident of the City of Gosnells (Western Australia), Terresa has served as a Gosnells Councillor since 2015 and was elected Mayor in 2021 after previously holding the position of Deputy Mayor.
Since joining the NGAA Strategic Advisory Committee in January 2023, Terresa has played a key role in shaping advocacy for growth areas and was elected as NGAA Deputy Chair in February 2024. She is known for her hands-on approach, prioritising community engagement and always putting the community first.
Her passion for local government is further demonstrated through her active involvement in the WA Local Government Association (WALGA). Terresa also serves as President of the WA Branch of the Australian Local Government Women’s Association, Chairperson of the Thornlie Senior High School Board, and a Board Member of the Gosnells Community Legal Centre.
Bronwen Clark
CEO
Bronwen was appointed CEO of the National Growth Areas Alliance in 2018 and is recognised as a national expert on the issues facing the 5.3 million residents of outer urban growth areas across Australia. She has led a revitalisation of the organisation’s impact through a stronger focus on governance, research and policy development.
Bronwen was appointed to the Urban Policy Forum by the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, The Hon. Catherine King MP in May 2023 and was previously appointed to the Cities Reference Group under the Coalition government.
Leading a small, focussed team and a highly engaged national membership, Bronwen brings a strategic skillset to the Alliance, particularly advocacy, policy and government relations. She has consulted extensively to local government, small business and not-for-profits, and has worked with the Federal Government on multilateral trade negotiations, including representing Australia at the World Trade Organisation.
Bronwen holds a Master of Business Administration from Melbourne Business School, as well as Bachelor of Arts and a Graduate Diploma in Public Relations. She is a Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, has held Ministerial-appointed Non-Executive Director roles with Victorian Government and currently volunteers as the Chair of the state peak body Volunteering Victoria.
Anne Hurni
Research and Policy Lead
Anne brings a wealth of experience as a Senior Policy and Project Manager from all levels of government, having previously worked with Penrith City Council, Transport for NSW, the Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development.
Anne gained her PhD at Western Sydney University with expertise in accessibility and social inclusion, sustainable development, and both qualitative and quantitative research and analysis. She is deeply passionate about improving liveability and social outcomes for communities, making her a perfect fit for our team.
With the federal election approaching, NGAA is committed to strengthening our evidence-based advocacy through new research. Anne will be leading these efforts, focusing on highlighting the unique challenges faced by growth areas. We are confident that with Anne at the helm, our advocacy and policy initiatives will reach new heights
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Michelle Jack
National Communications Coordinator
With a passion for the art of communication, Michelle takes pride in being the voice that raises the profile of NGAA, connecting with key media to shed light on the challenges faced by growth areas and keeping members well-informed about the latest developments.
Boasting over 12 years of experience in marketing, Michelle brings a wealth of expertise in strategic communication campaigns, brand management, and product development. Armed with a Bachelor of Business and Commerce in Marketing from the University of Western Sydney, Michelle is well-versed in the nuances of crafting messages that are not only relevant but also meaningful to diverse audiences.
As the National Communications Coordinator, Michelle strives to make a positive impact on communities and create awareness of growth area challenges, ensuring that the NGAA's mission resonates far and wide. Through effective communication strategies, she aims to foster understanding, engagement, and positive change within communities.
Annual Report
Strategic Plan
Our 2024-2027 Strategic Plan outlines our bold vision and strategic priorities for supporting Australia's fast-growing communities over the coming years. This plan has been in developed in collaobration with our members.
