The Federal Government’s plan for dealing with urban congestion and managing population growth is a pragmatic package which acknowledges the importance of supporting the vibrancy and economic growth of our our big and small cities.
“In the most urbanised country in the world, the challenge of population policy must be to create great Australian cities even as they grow,” said Ken Morrison, Chief Executive of the Property Council of Australia.
“Growing cities can be great cities, but they need the infrastructure, planning and smart governance to make sure this happens.
“The framework announced by Cities, Urban Infrastructure and Population Minister Alan Tudge is clear-eyed in its assessment of congestion challenges and its initiatives are sensible and should be supported,”.
“Plans for intracity road and rail projects, better regional connections, targeted migration initiatives and a population framework are all sensible responses to addressing some of the growing pains being felt in our bigger cities.
“The Government’s plan to require some migrants to locate in regional areas seems to be avoiding the trap of starving our economic engine rooms of talent while still growing regional areas.
“It’s important to remember how important cities are for our economy and the future of the country.
“Our cities are globally attractive for permanent and temporary migrants because of the employment, education and lifestyle opportunities they provide. That is something to be encouraged for the economic and social benefit of all Australians.
“The reality is that now and into the future, the population main game must be to ensure our biggest cities don’t just survive but really thrive in this metropolitan century.
“The framework announced recognises this central challenge and we encourage the Government to continue to develop its City Deal and infrastructure policies to address it.
“Our Creating Great Australian Cities project launched earlier in 2018 showcased best practice from around the world which showed how we can create high amenity, high liveability cities with the right policies, planning, investment and governance.
“We already have some good tools in place, such as City Deals and the valuable work of bodies such as Infrastructure Australia.
“But there is still much more to be done to so that Australia’s growing cities can become great cities.”
Source: Property Council of Australia