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.
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.
Penrith City Council sought a more efficient way to manage development contributions. They found the perfect solution in Novoplan’s software, which streamlined management and improved financial oversight, efficiency, compliance, and transparency.
Read moreNational settlement forecasting is a crucial tool in the pursuit of creating resilient, liveable and thriving communities, particularly in Australia's fastest-growing outer metropolitan cities and suburbs.
Accurate settlement forecasting enables forward planning, ensuring that essential infrastructure and services are delivered in a timely and efficient way to meet current and future demands.
Read moreEstablished and emerging housing corridors in major Australian cities are brimming with potential for greenfield development, presenting an unprecedented opportunity for urban growth and sustainability. These growth areas are essential due to their abundant space, which allows for the creation of well-planned, thriving communities.
Read moreFrom best practice solutions to affordable and social housing to leading advocacy strategies, Australia's growth councils have once again demonstrated industry leading thinking. The NGAA awards were held on the 30 May and celebrated excellence and innovation from Australia's fastest growing outer metropolitan cities and suburbs.
Read moreThe National Growth Areas Alliance (NGAA) welcomes Infrastructure Minister Catherine King's Western Sydney funding announcements in the lead up to the 2024/25 Budget release. While a step in the right direction, they must be matched by a coordinated response across and within State and Federal Governments.
Read moreWith housing affordability a pressing issue, it is clear that no single entity can address these challenges alone. Collective action and partnerships are essential for driving meaningful change and ensuring that cities are inclusive and accessible for all. This was a key takeaway from last month’s Urban Land Institute (ULI) Global Futures conference “Cities in Transformation”.
Read morePenrith City Council is proud to be the host of the National Growth Areas Alliance (NGAA) Annual Congress, set to take place in Penrith, Western Sydney, 29 – 31 May 2024. The Congress, themed "Building Australia's newest cities – A model for the new wave of growth," promises to be a pivotal event in shaping the future of urban development in Australia.
Read moreJOINT MEDIA RELEASE with the Australian Local Government Association and Community Housing Industry Association (CHIA).
Read moreMore of Australia’s new housing areas will have mobile coverage, thanks to the Federal Government’s updated ‘Telecommunications in New Developments (TIND) Policy.’ The National Growth Areas Alliance (NGAA) was a key influencer on the policy, advocating for the consideration of mobile infrastructure within new developments in the early planning stages, and its installation by the time new developments are occupied.
Read moreIn a recent Strategic Planning Policy Advisory Committee meeting, Greg Pattinson from the City of Playford shared a great example of how they have been part of an innovative partnership for the funding and delivery of sporting facilities. This project also earned City of Playford the NGAA award in 2022 for “Partnerships – Building Connections”
Read moreWe 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.
Read moreIn our Federal budget submission, we provided the government clear recommendations on how prioritising growth areas will help to address the housing crisis and unlock future economic productivity.
Read moreAs Australian economists debate the possibility of a recession in 2024, with migration driven population growth a possible saviour, the National Growth Areas Alliance (NGAA) is urging the Government to be on the front foot and plan for housing accordingly.
Read moreHow can we reimagine our growing suburbs and create thriving, resilient communities in the answer to Australia's current housing crisis? For more, read our NGAA 2023 Symposium Summary on “The Suburban Economic Challenge in Australia” Presented by Ross Elliott, Suburban Futures.
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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.
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.
Read moreThe NGAA warmly welcomes the focus on suburbs within the infrastructure portfolio in the 2023-24 Federal Budget. Commitments on health, cost of living and other significant initiatives are very positive for new communities in the outer suburbs.
Read moreThis year, it’s not just about dollars for the 5.3 million Australians living in outer urban growth areas. It’s time to get our national urban policy settings right.This is what the National Growth Areas Alliance wants to see in the Federal Budget:
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The NGAA welcomes the announcement of an additional $250 million local road infrastructure funding for outer urban as well as regional and rural councils.
Read moreABC News: NGAA CEO sets the scene for 2023 National Congress in ABC interview urging the federal government to invest in climate-proofing vulnerable growth regions .
Read moreNGAA Research and Policy Lead Position - applications open now. Closing date is 14 May, 2023.
Read moreThe Age: NGAA CEO Bronwen Clark and Wyndham Mayor Susan McIntyre call for visionary thinking and realising the potential of growth areas in second CBD debate.
Read moreSuburbia 3.0: urban policy for sustainable and resilient cities, the 2023 NGAA National Congress in Hahndorf, SA has a great line-up of speakers and sessions in the program.
Read moreThe NGAA welcomes the recognition of fast growing outer urban areas in today’s Federal Government announcement of $750 million to local councils for priority local road and community infrastructure projects.
Read moreABC News: Wollondilly Council and NGAA have slammed changes to a plan to fast track housing development before basic infrastructure is in place.
Read moreAustralia's outer suburbs are growing more than twice as fast as the rest of the nation and doing the heavy lifting for our housing supply, but struggle to get infrastructure that other areas take for granted, the NGAA told MPs in Canberra.
Read moreABC TV: An hour and a half to drive 3km — why is traffic so bad in Melbourne's outer suburbs? NGAA CEO Bronwen Clark is interviewed.
Read moreThe October 2022 Federal Budget is a cautious one, with some wins for Australia’s growth areas and a housing proposal that raises many questions for the NGAA.
Read moreAAP News: Australian workers living in the outer suburbs of cities need roads to get to work and business hubs developed closer to where they live.The one in five Australians who live on the outskirts of major cities are missing out, according to an alliance of councils from across the country.
Read moreBusiness Daily Media: New jobs and skills legislation will “fall flat without investment into the infrastructure serving communities in Australia’s outer suburbs,” according to NGAA Chair Matthew Deeth.
Read moreIn growth areas, so much of what governments are dealing with is completely new. The NGAA Symposium showed that this is fostering an ethos of fresh new thinking, partnerships, and different ways of working with growth area communities. Presentations available here.
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ABC News: NGAA CEO Bronwen Clark spoke about the impact of greater density in fast growing outer suburbs.
Read moreThe full program for the 2022 NGAA Symposium has been announced. See it here.
Read moreABC TV: NGAA CEO Bronwen Clark appears on Q and A program to question panel about the postcode discrimination faced by growth area residents.
Read moreHerald Sun opinion editorial: NGAA Chair, Councillor Matthew Deeth, on the urgent need for government action in outer urban growth areas.
Read moreThe National Growth Areas Alliance congratulates Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and federal Labor on their election victory.
Read moreWhichever party wins government tomorrow, we will hold them accountable for their election promises and work with them for better policy outcomes for the 5.2 million Australians in the outer suburbs.
Read moreSMH/The Age: Voters in marginal outer suburban seats across the country could decide the election outcome.
Read moreABC NEWS: Sport in Australia's outer suburbs means long drives, jumping fences and closed pools.
Read more7NEWS: Families are moving to the suburban fringe in record numbers but many are finding their basic needs are being ignored. Watch here
Read moreThe Government has made some welcome allocations to growth areas in the Budget but there are some evident omissions, particularly around sustainability.
Read moreThe Australian: Policies that support the rapidly growing population in Australia’s outer suburbs could prove a decisive factor, the National Growth Areas Alliance says...
Read moreHerald Sun: These regions are growing rapidly but residents face new struggle on Melbourne's outer fringe.
Read moreSaul Eslake, one of Australia’s leading economists, will give the keynote address at the 2022 NGAA National Congress on March 21 in Werribee.
Read moreDaily Telegraph: One in three outer suburban residents are struggling financially after COVID, according to NGAA research.
Read more"COVID-19 has shown Australia's prosperity depends heavily on our vast growth areas workforce, Ms Clark says." ABC News report on NGAA research - full story here.
Read moreThe NGAA is calling for a Minister for Growth Areas, says NGAA CEO, Bronwen Clark, in this article in The Mandarin.
Read moreThe Government and Opposition took part in the NGAA launch of Priorities for outer metropolitan growth areas - four priorities and two reasons for urgent action in growth areas.
Read moreTwo workshops hosted by Prof Nicholas Phelps, University of Melbourne and Dr Paul J Maginn, University of Western Australia, will examine Suburbs and Planning, Regeneration and Best Practice in Suburban Development.
Read moreInfrastructure Australia’s 2021 Australian Infrastructure Plan provides a clear way forward for more equitable infrastructure delivery – particularly in outer urban growth areas where the infrastructure gap is vast and growing.
Read moreThree days, 26 presenters and more than 190 delegates - the 2021 NGAA Symposium: Research and Practice from Australia’s growth areas was a resounding success.
Read moreThe Commuter Car Parks Project has been a real concern for NGAA due to a lack of transparency and consultation. The Auditor-General’s report concurs: this was a missed opportunity for growth areas.
Read moreRegister now for the online 2021 Symposium: research and practice from Australia's growth areas. Program and tickets here.
Read moreWhat does this week’s Federal Budget mean for the 5 million people living in the Australia’s outer metropolitan growth areas?
The March 2021 JobSeeker figures show why jobs are such an important issue for people in outer metro growth areas. The NGAA wants to see a Federal Budget focus on growth area jobs and local economies.
Read moreNGAA members, research partners and academics are invited to submit projects or research to the 2021 Symposium: Research and Practice from growth areas. Submissions close Wednesday 28th April.
Read moreAustralia needs to reinvigorate national cities policy, according to Leader of the Federal Opposition, Anthony Albanese. The NGAA is pleased that cities policy is once more on the national agenda.
Read moreThe final report of the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System highlights issues that are felt in outer metropolitan growth areas of Melbourne, as well as Perth, Adelaide and Sydney.
Read moreShowing the urgency of growth area infrastructure challenges, Infrastructure Australia has added priority projects (and brought others forward) in outer metropolitan growth areas across the country.
Read moreThe NGAA has urged the Federal Government to prioritise growth area jobs and infrastructure investment in the next Federal Budget.
Read moreWhen we talk about revitalising our cities after COVID-19, lets really mean it – from CBDs right out to the newest house in the newest estate.
Read moreVictoria's COVID-19 State Budget is a chance to help Melbourne's outer suburbs catch up, experts say.
ABC News, 22 November, 2020
Read more"On a good day, IT specialist Mohini Karki spent 90 minutes battling public transport from her Cranbourne East home into the CBD. These days, Ms Karki’s office is a spare room in her outer-suburban home."
The Age, 1 November 2020
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The outer suburbs will benefit from the Federal Budget focus on jobs, skills and higher education, along with support for small business and manufacturing.
Read moreThe National Growth Areas Alliance, representing five million people living on the outskirts of Australia’s capital cities, is calling for the 2020-21 Budget to provide long-term support for vulnerable communities and embed spatial economic and employment shifts caused by COVID-19.
Read moreOuter urban growth areas are facing an avalanche of mortgage defaults and financial stress amidst a recession, shrinking levels of income support and the end of mortgage repayment moratoriums.
Read moreThe NGAA’s new research into working from home in the outer suburbs has revealed a positive outcome from Australia’s national lockdown – evidence of the many benefits and opportunities of working from home for the 5 million people living in outer urban growth areas.
Read moreSome unexpected and positive findings in our new research on the lived experience of working from home in the outer suburbs. Join us Wednesday, August 5 for the launch.
Read moreNearly two million people under the age of 25 live in Australia’s outer suburbs. What education and career opportunities will they get, miss out on, or never even realise existed? A personal view from NGAA Executive Officer, Bronwen Clark.
Read moreIf you’re already struggling to pay the mortgage, home renovations are an unattainable luxury. Helping people already under mortgage stress to keep their homes is the priority in Australia’s outer urban growth areas.
Read moreNGAA Member Councils have received more than $26.5 million in new federal government funding for local road and community infrastructure projects.
Read moreAustralia’s outer urban growth areas need immediate and long-term economic stimulus to prevent more job losses and mortgage defaults.
Read moreThe economic shock brought on by COVID-19 will have a disproportionate effect on growth areas ….
Read moreAustralia’s outer urban growth areas have lost a great champion with the passing of David Turnbull, former CEO of Mitchell Shire Council and the City of Whittlesea.
Read moreThirteen recommendations for the 2020-21 Federal Budget to support growth areas and the nation.
Read moreThe top 5 things that happened in 2019 for growth areas...
Read moreCouncillor Matthew Deeth, Mayor of Wollondilly Shire, is the new Chair of the National Growth Areas Alliance.
Read moreThe 2019 NGAA Awards celebrated excellence and innovation by the Councils shaping Australia’s fastest growing areas.
Read moreThe 2019 NGAA National Congress gave insights into leading practice on creating new communities and making paddocks into postcodes.
Read moreThe new NGAA Strategic Advisory Committee has been announced. The members are…
Read moreNGAA supports the goal of the Centre for Population – getting the numbers right.
Read morePlanning for Australia’s future population, the Government’s strategy to ‘manage current challenges and develop long term plans' is a first step in the marathon of significant policy shifts required to address the needs of growth areas - but we need to catch up first.
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New data showing that commute times have risen by 23 per cent is no surprise for frustrated residents of fast-growing suburbs and cities.
Read moreNGAA has been invited to submit a collated list of growth area projects to be considered for inclusion in the Infrastructure Priority List 2020.
Read moreCollaborations with the NGAA’s research partner such as AHURI, the Life Course Centre and Future Cities CRC help ensure that the outer suburbs are included in long term studies.
Read moreThe NGAA Symposium, Research and Practice from Australia’s fast growing outer suburbs, on July 4, was a packed day with papers from growth areas.
Read moreMayor Glenn Docherty's speech at the NGAA Member's Meeting held on 17 June, 2019 at the Australian Local Government Assembly (National General Assembly) in Canberra.
Read moreAs many of our Member Councils head to Canberra for the Australian Local Government Association National General Assembly in mid-June, we look at the resolutions from Members that directly relate to NGAA’s policy platform.
Read moreThe NGAA will continue to pursue funding and policy commitments made to fast growing outer suburbs during the Federal Election campaign.
Read moreThe NGAA welcomes today's focus on Cities by both the Coalition and the ALP in the lead up to the May 18 Federal Election.
Read moreIn the lead-up to the Federal Election in May, what are the major parties doing about the first priority of the NGAA's Catch Up with the Outer Suburbs campaign - Get 5 million people to work, study or home on time?
Read moreThe challenges of responding to rapid population growth in the outer suburbs of Australia’s capital cities play a starring role in the 2019-20 Federal Budget.
Read moreThe 2019-20 Federal Budget has an undeniable focus on infrastructure and the cross portfolio response to population growth (outlined in Planning for Australia’s future population) has put the challenges and opportunities of NGAA members front and centre.
Read moreThe 2019-20 Federal Budget will be handed down tonight amidst a flurry of funding announcements, many of them from the current Budget's $1 billion Urban Congestion Fund (UCF). We are looking for a continuation of the UCF to help catch up with infrastructure demand in growth areas, along with other items from our Federal Budget Submission.
Read moreCouncils from across Australia joined a national call for better access to roads, transport, local jobs and community facilities in fast growing outer suburbs with the launch of the Catch Up with the Outer Suburbs campaign in Canberra this week.
Read moreNGAA has made a 2019-20 Budget Submission to the Federal Government, focussing on five building blocks for good growth.
The full submission is available on the Advocacy page of the NGAA website.
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The National Growth Areas Alliance welcomes Infrastructure Australia’s Planning Liveable Cities: A place-based approach to sequencing infrastructure and growth and calls on the Federal and State Governments to work with local government to implement the reports' findings.
Read moreThe 2018 NGAA Awards showcased the vision and expertise that is building Australia’s diverse outer suburban growth areas. Winning projects included innovative uses of technology, a community program to prevent family violence, a suburb-wide urban planning approach and a $109 million community recreation facility.
Read moreThree priorities are the pathway to great Australian cities according to Professor Greg Clark, global cities expert, who addressed Mayors, Councillors and executives from Australia’s fastest growing outer suburban Councils at the National Growth Areas Alliance (NGAA) Congress in the booming south west of Sydney this week.
Read moreInfrastructure Australia has highlighted the need for public transport to catch up with the five million Australians who live in fast growing outer suburbs. We are pleased that the research and recommendations support our calls for urgent investment in transport infrastructure in the outer suburbs,
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The Grattan Institute has released a report stating that population growth has had little impact on the average metropolitan Australians’ commute to work.The NGAA’s understanding of commutes from the outer suburbs is very different.
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Momentum is building for action by the Federal Government to respond to the impact of rapid and sustained population growth, with the Building Up and Moving Out report from the Standing Committee on infrastructure, Transport and Cities.
Read moreThe National Growth Areas Alliance looks forward to a continued Federal Government focus on cities policy under new Prime Minister Scott Morrison.
Read moreThe Federal Government has finally started listening to the nearly 5 million people in Australia’s fast growing outer suburbs who face daily challenges of nightmare commutes to work or study, and lack of public transport options.
Read moreChair of the National Growth Areas Alliance, Mayor Glenn Docherty, is pleased to announce Bronwen Clark has been appointed to the role of Executive Officer, following a national recruitment process.
Read moreGrowth areas have welcomed 35 per cent of Australia’s overall population growth in the last five years, but only received 13 per cent of total infrastructure investment. Councils in growth areas are responding to this deficit with innovative and transformational projects to provide services and facilities their communities need.
Read moreTwo new research reports commissioned by NGAA tell the story of changing populations and economies which provide many opportunities for development.
Read moreCatch up on our Acting Executive Officer's chat about population growth with demographer Prof. Peter McDonald and host Michael Mackenzie on Radio National's Life Matters program here.
Read moreLocal Government leaders from fast-growing outer suburbs across Australia will gather in Melbourne’s south east next week to share stories of the incredible impact of rapid population growth on their communities.
Read moreA national event giving residents of fast-growing outer suburbs the chance to share their #nightmarecommute stories on social media.
Read moreThe National Growth Areas Alliance (NGAA) has today released the State of Australia's FastGrowing Outer Suburbs..
Read moreThe focus on infrastructure in the 2017-18 Federal Budget is a step in the right direction..
Read moreFive million people living in Australia’s fast-growing outer suburbs are hoping tomorrow's federal budget..
Read moreThe federal government should not shy away from borrowing for public infrastructure investment..
Read moreFast-growing outer suburbs, home to five million people and growing at double the national rate, are the often..
Read moreNational Growth Areas Alliance Executive Officer, Ruth Spielman, has been appointed to the Cities Reference Group, convened..
Read moreChair of the National Growth Areas Alliance (NGAA), Mayor Glenn Docherty.
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