14 February 2023
The National Growth Areas Alliance 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.
All NGAA Member Councils, fast growing outer urban councils across Australia, have received funding under the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program.
Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King specifically referenced outer urban areas as one of the priority areas to receive funding from an additional $250 million from the Albanese Government, on top of $500 million allocated prior to the May 2022 election. The NGAA applauds this long overdue acknowledgement of outer suburbs, which have specific characteristics and needs that make them distinct from CBDs and regions.
The LRCI Program will realise the benefits of providing funding directly to local governments, who have first-hand knowledge of what their own communities need. As well as roads and transport, community infrastructure such as libraries, community hubs and sports facilities are important parts of new suburbs as new residents connect and establish themselves.
Outer urban growth areas are home to 5.3 million people and are growing nearly three times as fast as the rest of Australia, but vital infrastructure to get people to work, study and home is lagging behind the population boom.
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.
