"Outer suburban residents are calling for action in the face of soaring cost of living and a commuting nightmare. Families are moving to the suburban fringe in record numbers, but many are finding their basic needs are being ignored,” was the headline of a 7NEWS story aired last night.
In the interview, Wyndham Mayor, Cr Peter Maynard spoke about the impact of the growth areas population boom, with 120 babies born every week just in Wyndham LGA. He called for a greater federal government focus on the one in five Australians who live in a growth area. The NGAA’s call for a national Minister for Growth Areas was highlighted.
Economist Saul Eslake, following his keynote address at the NGAA Congress, said that he expects to see more mortgage stress amongst new growth area residents than in other areas of Australia.
The story also covered infrastructure and service deficits in other Melbourne growth areas such as Whittlesea Council and Melton Council. A Mernda resident spoke about his nightmare 80km round-trip commute to work which costs him up to $200 a week. The story touched on the lack of public transport options and local employment opportunities in outer urban growth areas, with three in four residents having to commute to work by car.
Announcement from NGAA Chair Cr Deeth, Deputy Mayor Wollondilly Shire Council.
Read moreRecently 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.
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