Advocacy
From Deficit to Equity
Investment Solutions for Today’s Infrastructure Needs and Tomorrow’s Housing in Outer-Metropolitan Growth Areas.
For decades, Australia’s growth areas have been the backbone of national housing delivery, and they will continue to be critical for future housing supply.
However, rapid population growth in these vibrant outer metropolitan cities and suburbs has not been matched with sufficient investment in infrastructure and essential services.
This gap leaves communities without the public transport, jobs, higher education, and recreational facilities they need to thrive.
We need a dedicated, sustained approach to funding that aligns with the pace of population growth in these areas.
- Recognise outer metropolitan growth areas as regions requiring specific attention in
Commonwealth funding programs across portfolios - Prioritise funding from existing programs to fix the infrastructure deficits in growth areas
- Resource equitably through a national infrastructure investment framework for growth areas
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
Australia can look to international models for effective solutions to its growth area funding gap.
A report from Western Sydney University’s Urban Transformations Research Centre highlights best practices in infrastructure funding, offering insights into strategies for addressing challenges in Australia's growth areas. Download the full report here.
Based on case studies, the Commonwealth Government should consider these insights to strengthen funding frameworks.
- Establish multi-year funding commitments to ensure stability in infrastructure planning and maintenance.
- Strengthen collaboration with local stakeholders and community organisations.
- Implement integrated funding frameworks that focus on long-term community needs.
- Developing clear prioritisation criteria for impactful projects that specifically address the needs of outer metropolitan growth areas.
- Incorporating regular evaluation to guide continuous improvement.
Access Professor Nicky Morrison's speech from the 21 November 2024.
Submissions to Federal Government
NGAA makes submissions to Government to inform policy and funding decisions. Our latest submissions are:
- Australian Statistical Geography Standard (ASGS) Edition 4 Consultation
- Initial response to the Australian Government's Net Zero Roadmap Consultation
- Victoria’s Creative State strategy Discussion Paper
- Parliamentary Inquiry into local government sustainability
- Climate Change Adapation 2024
- 2024/25 Federal Budget Submission
- Suburban Study Hubs
- Possible Amendments to the Telecommunications in New Developments Policy
- Shaping SEQ Regional Plan
- National Housing and Homelessness Plan Issues Paper
- 2023/24 Federal Budget Submission
- Jobs and Skills Australia Submission 2023
- Submission to Independent Review of Infrastructure Australia 2022
- Submission on a new National Cultural Policy
- 2022/23 Federal Budget Submission
- COVID-19 ECONOMIC RECOVERY PROPOSAL: Boosting Australia’s Economy through Growth Area Productivity (May 2020)
See all NGAA submissions to Federal Government here.
NGAA policy pillars
Our advocacy is based on four policy pillars for future policy and investment decisions to support growth areas and the nation.
- Growth area communities – under the radar with underfunded infrastructure
- Revitalise Australia’s economic engine room in the outer suburbs
- Community recovery and resilience in Australia’s suburban heartland
- Understand the unique circumstances of growth area communities
- Well-planned sustainable development optimising community and liveability, not developer profit margins
Each year we review our Policy Platform to reflect changes in the legislative, political, planning and delivery environment.
Previous Advocacy Campaigns
Catch Up with The Outer Suburbs
In the lead up to the 2019 Federal Election, residents of fast growing outer suburbs called on politicians to Catch Up with the outer suburbs with roads, transport and community facilities to keep pace with our booming communities.
National Nightmare Commute Day
Our hallmark national event gives residents of fast-growing outer suburbs the chance to share their #nightmarecommute stories on social media. In 2016, 2017 and 2019, #nightmarecommute trended during the morning peak hour, and received widespread national media coverage. Watch our videos here.
