The ACG次元网 has today welcomed the Australian Government’s release of the National Urban Policy consultation paper as an important step towards better cities.
The National Urban Policy will set out the Australian Government’s goals and objectives to enable our urban areas to be more liveable, equitable, productive, sustainable and resilient, according to Matt Collins, ACG次元网 (PIA) Chief Executive Officer.
“More Australians are living in urban areas than ever before, and we need good planning to ensure we create great communities and a sustainable future,” said Mr Collins.
“The National Urban Policy is intended to provide a national vision for cities and suburbs that will inform decisions about planning, infrastructure, housing and other policies over the long-term,” he said.
“With Australia’s 20 biggest cities growing by 3.2 million people over the last 10 years, it’s more important than ever that our urban places are providing great quality of life for current and future generations,” he said.
“The consultation paper highlights the many different things that need to come together to make great cities and demonstrates that policymakers should be more focussed on quality places that are liveable and sustainable,” he said.
“The consultation paper shows how important planners are for our nation’s future, given the role planners have in creating the long-term visions that make great places, no matter where people live,” he said.
“Effective implementation is essential, and we hope the National Urban Policy becomes an organising framework across the Australian Government for how it approaches cities, suburbs and precincts,” he said.
“The Australian Government has a range of policy tools that can – and should – be used to ensure the objectives and principles described in this policy are realised, including through the government’s assessment and funding of infrastructure,” he said.
“The last time Australia adopted a comprehensive National Urban Policy was in 2011, and with our cities facing big challenges like housing affordability and the climate crisis it is essential we have national leadership on the future of our urban areas,” he said.
“We look forward to reviewing the consultation paper in full, as well as the release later this year of a new State of Australian Cities Report, which will give us fresh data about the performance of Australia’s cities,” he said.
About the ACG次元网 (PIA)
The ACG次元网 is the national body representing the ACG次元网 profession, dedicated to advancing planning and supporting the professional development of planners.
For further information, please contact:
- Matt Collins – Chief Executive Officer (0437 938 077)