A proposal has been put forward by a new coalition of built environment groups, which includes the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) and the Australian Institute of Architects among others, for a ‘new deal’ for Australian cities.
The Urban Coalition has launched a plan to tackle the 'emerging urban challenges' and improve the liveability of Australian cities.
The plan, titled a New Deal for Urban Australia, seeks to address the major problems facing urban areas around the country, such as congestion, inadequate planning, and the lack of funds available for investment in community infrastructure.
“Australia needs a co-ordinated and strategic approach to planning, developing and managing our cities and communities. Our plan requires visionary government leadership and a new Urban Infrastructure Fund to unlock investment from the private sector and meet the infrastructure needs of a growing Australia,” said the GBCA’s Federal Advocacy Manager, Katy Dean.
The Urban Infrastructure Fund would cover a range of infrastructure projects that demonstrate benefit and value to the community, from public transport systems to schools, hospitals and affordable housing.
“Investment in critical urban infrastructure is failing to meet demand in most Australian cities, especially those affected by areas of high population growth” said UDIA’s National President Julie Katz. “Without new investment, we are putting national productivity and our quality of life at risk”.
Katz adds that the Fund has the potential to raise billions of dollars for infrastructure funding at minimal cost to the government, "whilst providing an attractive and low risk return for investors”.
The Urban Coalition is also calling on the Australian Government to appoint a federal minister and establish a department for cities and urban development.
“The GBCA has worked closely with the Major Cities Unit over the past several years. We believe that a strengthened role for MCU and Infrastructure Australia will lead to better co-ordination of policy and better outcomes for our cities and communities," said Dean.
“City policy must be prioritised by the Australian Government to ensure more strategic planning of our cities and regions. Innovative models that drive infrastructure investment based on positive outcomes can help our communities to reach high benchmarks for liveability, prosperity, sustainability and resilience,” Dean added.
