15 November 2021
The Government and Opposition took part in the NGAA’s launch of Priorities for Australia’s Outer Metropolitan Growth Areas. NGAA Chair, Councillor Matt Deeth; CEO Bronwen Clark and members of the Strategic Advisory Committee set out:
Four growth area priorities for government and opposition:
1. A Minister for Growth Areas
2. Infrastructure to transform
3. Revitalise Australia’s economic engine room in the outer suburbs
4. Community recovery and resilience in Australia’s suburban heartland
Two reasons for increased urgency for government action in growth areas:
1. Unequal COVID impact on growth areas
2. Growth areas are still growing and another population boom is imminent.
More on the four growth area priorities here.
Members and stakeholders at the online event on Monday, 15 November heard Paul Fletcher MP , Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts and Shadow Ministers Andrew Giles MP, Shadow Minister for Cities and Urban Infrastructure, Multicultural Affairs; and Catherine King MP, Shadow Minister for Infrastructure, outline their policy directions and aspirations for growth areas in the lead up to the next federal election.
“We are investing in major infrastructure for equity of access for people in newer and outer suburban areas. We’re confident that growth areas have a bright and vibrant future”
Paul Fletcher MP , Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts
“Growth areas are a significant contributor to Australia’s economic recovery – if they are not held back. We have a once in a generation opportunity to build back better after COVID. A coherent plan for infrastructure investment is essential, looking at the transformation potential of infrastructure.”
Andrew Giles MP, Shadow Minister for Cities and Urban Infrastructure, Multicultural Affairs and Shadow Minister Assisting for Immigration and Citizenship
“Infrastructure and transport are the key enabling factors driving economic growth in the outer suburbs. Infrastructure deficits in growth areas and a less equal Australia are not good enough.”
Catherine King MP, Shadow Minister for Infrastructure
We had a clear purpose for our recent trip to Canberra for the 2023 Parliamentary Showcase: to elevate the challenges faced by growth areas onto the federal agenda, foster networking opportunities for members, and gain deeper insights into the dynamics of their communities.
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The National Growth Areas Alliance (NGAA) wants to set the record straight in response to statements made by Chris Richardson on ABC’s Q&A program last night, stating that outer metro councils have already been saying “yes” and doing the heavy lifting on housing supply for the last 30 years. However, solving the current housing crisis is not the responsibility of local government alone.
Read moreThe NGAA visited Canberra last week for the 2023 Parliamentary showcase. Federal Minister for Infrastructure, the Hon. Catherine King MP, attended and addressed attendees, which included Mayors, Councillors and senior staff from NGAA member councils. It was a valuable networking opportunity as the event was also attended by federal ministers who represent the growth areas our members are from.
Read moreReliable mobile phone coverage is not just a matter of convenience; it is a fundamental necessity for communities. In an age where connectivity is integral to our daily lives, we are advocating for a proactive approach to mobile infrastructure planning, ensuring that all Australians, regardless of their location, have access to consistent and reliable phone reception.
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