1 May 2020
The economic shock brought on by COVID-19 will have a disproportionate effect on growth areas due to their reliance on the hardest hit sectors for employment, and the prominence of vulnerable communities.
In our NGAA Member consultations last week we heard how growth area councils have scaled up their service offer to deal with drastically increased need for assistance from vulnerable communities; are providing extensive one-on-one support to struggling local small and medium sized businesses; are bringing forward capital works projects to keep local people and businesses working; all amidst uncertainty about the future of their own workforce. At the same time, council revenues are shrinking because of service restrictions; waiving, rebating or reducing rates, fees and charges to industry, business and residents; and the residential housing sector downturn. Many Member councils are also still coping with the aftermath of the summer bushfires in their area.
Yet there are opportunities that provide the chance for growth areas and the Australian economy more broadly to emerge stronger post-pandemic. These include the roll-out of infrastructure stimulus packages at both the state and federal government level, and the appetite to build the capacity of small business to embrace innovation and new technologies.
Next week the NGAA is releasing a series of recommendations aimed at giving outer urban growth areas the opportunity to reach their economic and productivity potential, and play a pivotal role in the nation’s recovery from COVID-19 economic shock. They build on Alliance’s Policy Platform and support our 2020-21 Federal Budget Submission.
Members only- more about the Member consultations on the impact of COVID-19, resources and more in the Members Section of this website.
NGAA is recruiting a National Communications Coordinator.
Please read on if you are energised by political engagement and advocacy, experienced in developing and implementing communication and social media strategies and can find compelling ways to communicate the opportunities and challenges of Australia’s growth areas. Experience living or working in growth areas very welcome. Remote or office working options available.
Read moreOfficers from NGAA Member councils are invited to express their interest in joining our Policy Advisory Committees.
Read moreThanks to all Mayors, Councillors, Adminstrators and officers who joined us for lunch during the ALGA NGA.,
Click through for photos and the Chair's speech.
Read moreNGAA is pleased to share that our CEO Bronwen Clark has been appointed to the Urban Policy Forum by The Hon. Catherine King MP, Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government. Melbourne Lord Mayor Sally Capp will be the only other local government representative.
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