News

Shaping the Future Together: NGAA Advocacy in Action

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. 

National Growth Areas Alliance Challenges Misconceptions on Housing Crisis Responsibility

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. 

Putting growth areas on the Federal agenda

The 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.

The NGAA amplifies the call for Nationwide Mobile coverage

Reliable 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.

NGAA Policy Advisory Committee - EOI Now Open

Officers from NGAA Member councils are invited to express their interest in joining our Policy Advisory Committees. 

NGAA Members gather in Canberra

Thanks 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.

NGAA CEO appointed to Urban Policy Forum

NGAA 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.

Suburbs finally in Federal Budget spotlight

The 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.

Outer suburbs call for dollars and sense in Budget

This 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:

NGAA welcomes funding announcement

The NGAA welcomes the announcement of an additional $250 million local road infrastructure funding for outer urban as well as regional and rural councils.

Outer suburbs face climate risks

ABC 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 . 

Work with us!

NGAA Research and Policy Lead Position - applications open now. Closing date is 14 May, 2023. 

Call for visionary thinking

The 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. 

National Congress program announced

Suburbia 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.

Outer suburbs welcome new infrastructure funds

The 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. 

Gobsmacked by housing expansion without consultation

ABC News: Wollondilly Council and NGAA have slammed changes to a plan to fast track housing development before basic infrastructure is in place.

Call for national focus on impact of sustained housing boom

Australia'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. 

Why is traffic in the outer suburbs so bad?

ABC 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.

Budget 2022 - growth area wins and questions

The 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.

Outer suburbs missing out in Fed jobs push

AAP 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.

Outer suburbs hold key to productivity challenge

Business 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.

NGAA Symposium shows the best of growth areas

In 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.

Smaller block sizes in outer suburbs

ABC News: NGAA CEO Bronwen Clark spoke about the impact of greater density in fast growing outer suburbs.

Symposium program announced

The full program for the 2022 NGAA Symposium has been announced. See it here.

Price pressures and postcode discrimination

ABC TV: NGAA CEO Bronwen Clark appears on Q and A program to question panel about the postcode discrimination faced by growth area residents.

Growth areas demand government attention

Herald Sun opinion editorial: NGAA Chair, Councillor Matthew Deeth, on the urgent need for government action in outer urban growth areas. 

Congratulations to the Albanese Government

The National Growth Areas Alliance congratulates Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and federal Labor on their election victory. 

Growth areas and the Federal Election

Whichever 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.

Battle for the Burbs

SMH/The Age: Voters in marginal outer suburban seats across the country could decide the election outcome.

Build the sports facilities to build new communities

ABC NEWS: Sport in Australia's outer suburbs means long drives, jumping fences and closed pools. 

Forgotten suburbs demanding action

7NEWS: Families are moving to the suburban fringe in record numbers but many are finding their basic needs are being ignored. Watch here

Growth areas response to Federal Budget

The Government has made some welcome allocations to growth areas in the Budget but there are some evident omissions, particularly around sustainability.

Outer suburbs key to federal poll

The Australian: Policies that support the rapidly growing population in Australia’s outer suburbs could prove a decisive factor, the  National Growth Areas Alliance says...

Petrol hike hits cost of living

Economic, mental health crisis in outer suburbs

Herald Sun: These regions are growing rapidly but residents face new struggle on Melbourne's outer fringe.

Economist Saul Eslake at NGAA National Congress

Saul Eslake, one of Australia’s leading economists, will give the keynote address at the 2022 NGAA National Congress on March 21 in Werribee. 

1 in 3 Blacktown residents struggle after COVID

Daily Telegraph: One in three outer suburban residents are struggling financially after COVID, according to NGAA research. 

People in outer suburbs struggling during pandemic, report finds

"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.

It's time for a Minister for Growth Areas

The NGAA is calling for a Minister for Growth Areas, says NGAA CEO, Bronwen Clark, in this article in The Mandarin.

Four priorities for growth areas

The 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. 

How COVID changed the way we think about suburbs

Two 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.  

Infrastructure plans an equitable future for growing outer suburbs

Infrastructure 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.

2021 Growth Areas Symposium

Three days, 26 presenters and more than 190 delegates - the 2021 NGAA Symposium: Research and Practice from Australia’s growth areas was a resounding success.

Commuter Car Parks Projects a missed opportunity

The 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.

New growth areas research and practice

Register now for the online 2021 Symposium: research and practice from Australia's growth areas. Program and tickets here. 

2021 Federal Budget and growth areas

What does this week’s Federal Budget mean for the 5 million people living in the Australia’s outer metropolitan growth areas?

 

Jobs a key Budget issue for 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.

Submissions invited for 2021 Symposium

NGAA 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.

Reimagining Cities Policy

Australia 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. 

Report highlights mental health services concerns for outer suburbs

The 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. 

2021 Infrastructure Priority List released

Showing 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.

NGAA wants jobs, infrastructure boost in Federal Budget

The NGAA has urged the Federal Government to prioritise growth area jobs and infrastructure investment in the next Federal Budget.

Revitalising our cities – let’s really mean it

When 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. 

State Budget a chance to catch up

Victoria's COVID-19 State Budget is a chance to help Melbourne's outer suburbs catch up, experts say.

ABC News, 22 November, 2020

Women the big winners as work comes home

"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

Budget boost for young people and business reaches outer suburbs

The outer suburbs will benefit from the Federal Budget focus on jobs, skills and higher education, along with support for small business and manufacturing. 

Federal Budget must reach city outskirts

The 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.

Outer suburbs face avalanche of mortgage and financial stress

Outer 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. 

Working from home: good news in the COVID era

The 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.

Why the outer suburbs are the best at working from home

Some 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. 

Being young in the outer suburbs

Nearly 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.

HomeKeeper before HomeBuilder

If 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. 

Growth areas win funding boost

NGAA Member Councils have received more than $26.5 million in new federal government funding for local road and community infrastructure projects.

Funding growth areas to survive then thrive after COVID-19

Australia’s outer urban growth areas need immediate and long-term economic stimulus to prevent more job losses and mortgage defaults.

COVID-19 impact on growth areas

The economic shock brought on by COVID-19 will have a disproportionate effect on growth areas ….

Vale David Turnbull

Australia’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. 

NGAA 2020-21 Federal Budget recommendations

Thirteen recommendations for the 2020-21 Federal Budget to support growth areas and the nation. 

Growth Areas Top 5 for 2019

The top 5 things that happened in 2019 for growth areas...

New NGAA Chair announced

Councillor Matthew Deeth, Mayor of Wollondilly Shire, is the new Chair of the National Growth Areas Alliance.

2019 NGAA Award Winners

The 2019 NGAA Awards celebrated excellence and innovation by the Councils shaping Australia’s fastest growing areas.

2019 NGAA National Congress

The 2019 NGAA National Congress gave insights into leading practice on creating new communities and making paddocks into postcodes.

New Strategic Advisory Committee

The new NGAA Strategic Advisory Committee has been announced. The members are…

Population Centre launched

NGAA supports the goal of the Centre for Population – getting the numbers right.  

Plan for future - but catch up first

Planning 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.

Growth areas bear brunt of increased commute times

New data showing that commute times have risen by 23 per cent is no surprise for frustrated residents of fast-growing suburbs and cities. 

Growth Area Projects on Infrastructure Priority List 2020

NGAA has been invited to submit a collated list of growth area projects to be considered for inclusion in the Infrastructure Priority List 2020. 

Research Partners Update

Collaborations 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.

First Symposium highlights outer suburbs innovation

The NGAA Symposium, Research and Practice from Australia’s fast growing outer suburbs, on July 4, was a packed day with papers from growth areas.

NGAA Chair Mayor Glenn Docherty - speech 17 June 2019

Mayor 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.

ALGA National General Assembly – advocating NGAA’s policy platform

As 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. 

Keeping the momentum for outer suburbs

The NGAA will continue to pursue funding and policy commitments made to fast growing outer suburbs during the Federal Election campaign.

NGAA welcomes Cities focus from Coalition and ALP

The NGAA welcomes today's focus on Cities by both the Coalition and the ALP in the lead up to the May 18 Federal Election.

Election 2019 State of Play: Roads and Transport

In 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?

Five million with Nightmare Commutes get a win in Federal Budget

The 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.

2019-20 Federal Budget outcomes

The 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. 

What we want in 2019-20 Federal Budget

The 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.

It's time to Catch Up with the outer suburbs

Councils 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.

2019-20 Federal Budget Submission

NGAA 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.

Planning Liveable Cities: A place-based approach to sequencing infrastructure and growth

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.

NGAA Awards Strong Vision in Our Fast Growing Outer Suburbs

The 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.

Three Priorities for Great Australian Cities

Three 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.

Time to catch up with the outer suburbs

Infrastructure 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, 

Response to Grattan Institute's 'Remarkably adaptive' report

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.

Response to 'Building Up and Moving Out' Report

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.

New PM has chance to strengthen focus on cities

The National Growth Areas Alliance looks forward to a continued Federal Government focus on cities policy under new Prime Minister Scott Morrison.

2018 Federal Budget - Government finally recognising growth areas

The 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.

Bronwen Clark appointed new NGAA Executive Officer

Chair 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.

Melbourne's Outer Suburbs Ready for Transformation

Growth 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.

Adelaide's Fast Growing Outer Suburbs Ready for Transformation

Two new research reports commissioned by NGAA tell the story of changing populations and economies which provide many opportunities for development.

NGAA talking population growth on Life Matters

Catch 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.

Government and Opposition to meet with leaders from Australia's fastest-growing outer suburbs

Local 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.

National Nightmare Commute Day takes place on 14 September

A national event giving residents of fast-growing outer suburbs the chance to share their #nightmarecommute stories on social media.

Inequity and missed opportunity, not just growing pains, the issue for outer suburbs

The National Growth Areas Alliance (NGAA) has today released the State of Australia's FastGrowing Outer Suburbs..

More focus needed to deliver fairness and opportunity to five million Australians

The focus on infrastructure in the 2017-18 Federal Budget is a step in the right direction..

Outer Suburbs need a budget boost

Five million people living in Australia’s fast-growing outer suburbs are hoping tomorrow's federal budget..

Seven peak organisations unite to support "good debt" approach

The federal government should not shy away from borrowing for public infrastructure investment..

Outer Suburbs growing too fast to overlook

Fast-growing outer suburbs, home to five million people and growing at double the national rate, are the often..

Outer Suburbs key to Australian Cities Policy

National Growth Areas Alliance Executive Officer, Ruth Spielman, has been appointed to the Cities Reference Group, convened..

Call for 2017-18 Federal Budget to invest in Australia's Growing Outer Suburbs

Chair of the National Growth Areas Alliance (NGAA), Mayor Glenn Docherty.