Outer suburbs want sense as well as dollars in Federal Budget
Tuesday, 9 May 2023
This year, it’s not just about dollars for the 5.3 million Australians living in outer urban growth areas. It’s time to tackle the fundamental issues and get our national urban policy settings right.
This is what the National Growth Areas Alliance wants to see in the Federal Budget:
A partnership model of infrastructure investment and better sequencing of infrastructure delivery, under a National Urban Policy Framework that embeds objectives for sustainable urban development in the outer suburbs.
We are seeking a targeted approach and commitment to outer suburban growth areas similar to the Regional Precincts and Partnerships program. We want to see long-term evidence-based funding. See our 2023 - 24 Pre-Budget Submission for infrastructure projects in growth areas.
Our recommendations on outer urban areas and urban policy are evidence based and are informed and supported by the experience of local governments in growth areas across the nation.
Why do growth areas need a specific focus?
The outer suburbs have specific characteristics and unmet needs that are distinct from CBDs and regions. They are impacted by:
About growth areas
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.