We are delighted to extend our congratulations to Mayor Terresa Lynes of the City of Gosnells, who has been elected as the Deputy Chair of the National Growth Areas Alliance (NGAA). Mayor Lynes' election is a testament to her commitment to addressing the unique challenges faced by over 5.3 million Australians living in fast-growing outer cities and suburbs.
Terresa Lynes has served as the Mayor of the City of Gosnells since 2021 and has been a resident of the Gosnells area for over 30 years. Mayor Lynes brings her own personal experience of living in a growth area, as well as her passion for local government, to inform her contributions to the NGAA.
"Terresa Lynes has always been a passionate advocate for the NGAA,” said Chair Matthew Deeth, Deputy Mayor of Wollondilly Shire Council. “I am excited to work closely with her, ensuring the concerns and aspirations of our fast-growing communities remain at the forefront of government policymaking."
Mayor Lynes' dedication to the NGAA aligns with the organisation's mission to create resilient, liveable, and thriving communities.
We are also delighted to welcome Cr Tom Widenbar, Deputy Mayor, City of Cockburn to the Strategic Advisory Committee, who has filled the vacancy created by the retirement of former councillor Brett Treby of the City of Wanneroo.
NGAA looks forward to the continued leadership and guidance from the Strategic Advisory Committee, consisting of the Chair and Deputy Chair along with Cr Todd Carney, Mayor Penrith City Council NSW, Mayor Glenn Docherty, City of Playford SA, Mayor David Leach, Mount Barker District Council SA, Cr Peter Maynard, Wyndham City Council VIC, Cr Joseph Haweil, Hume City Council VIC, Cr Stephanie Davies, Cardinia Shire Council VIC and Cr Tom Widenbar, Deputy Mayor, City of Cockburn WA.
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.