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
Recently 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.
Read moreOur submission on the Telecommunications in New Developments (TiND) policy has successfully informed national principles that will improve mobile connectivity in new developments and growth areas.
Developed by the Mobile Telecommunications Working Group established by the Minister for Communications, the Hon Michelle Rowland MP, the principles will ensure larger telecommunications infrastructure is included in the planning process for new developments and growth areas.
