Improving liveability in growing cities

STRATEGIES to improve the liveability and sustainability of Australian capital cities and regional centres in the face of steady population growth will be discussed at a public hearing in Canberra tomorrow.

The Committee on Infrastructure, Transport and Cities has invited Commonwealth agencies, peak bodies and academics to share their ideas as part of its inquiry into the Australian Government’s role in the development of cities.

Committee Chair, Mr John Alexander OAM MP, said the Committee is interested in exploring some of the issues face by growing cities in more detail with a view to identifying innovative solutions.

“The Committee recognises the primacy of state, territory and local governments in the planning and operation of our cities,” Mr Alexander said.

“However, we’d like to explore opportunities for the Commonwealth Government to contribute to the development of our cities and regional centres, be that through the provision of leadership, reducing red tape or facilitating the development of new regional centres.”

The Housing Industry Association suggested that the Australian Government should lead planning policy reform, stating that “whilst the planning system is managed by the states and territories, the Australian Government can have a significant influence in the delivery of streamlined approval processes for new land and housing developments, encouraging greater standardisation of development assessment processes and codes across borders.”

The Australian Logistics Council also argued that the Australian Government should have greater involvement in planning. “This will help to deliver better economic outcomes and the more efficient and safe delivery of freight by easing urban encroachment and helping to protect corridors for later infrastructure investment.”

Further information on the inquiry, including the full terms of reference, is available on the Committee website.

Public hearing details: 9am – 12pm, Friday 11 August, Parliament House, Canberra

9.00 am – 9.40 am: Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development
9.40 am – 10.20 am: Master Builders Australia
10.40 am – 11.20 am: Australian Logistics Council
11.20 am – 12.00 noon: Housing Industry Association

The hearing will be broadcast live at aph.gov.au/live

Interested members of the public may wish to track the committee via the website. 

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