Date: Tuesday 4 August 2026
Time: 9.00am– 4.30pm followed by networking function
Location: Broadmeadows Town Hall, Hume City Council
$400 plus GST for full day Forum with optional discounted registration for the NGAA Congress Welcome Function at Novotel Melbourne Airport
Reserve your place here
The Emerging Growth Areas Forum responds directly to requests for assistance and guidance from local governments that are experiencing early‑stage but accelerating population growth and greenfield development. Councils are increasingly seeking support as they confront growth pressures similar to those experienced in the past by established growth area councils.
Early decisions around organisational structure, infrastructure sequencing, service planning and community engagement have long‑term consequences.
The forum is intended to provide a structured, peer‑based opportunity for councils to access national expertise, l earn from comparable municipalities and strengthen their readiness for sustained growth.
9:30am Welcome and opening remarks
9:45am Session 1: Organisational capacity for rapid growth
Presentations then Q&A focused on how councils structure themselves for sustained growth, including executive and organisational structures, IT, and financing needed at different stages of growth.
10:45am Morning Tea
11:15am Session 2: Leading communities through change
A session designed for both executives and elected members, exploring the role of councils in leading communities through growth, building understanding and trust during periods of change, and managing expectations and political risk in fast growing communities.
Presentations then Q&A.
12:15pm Lunch
1:00pm Session 3: Working with developers
A practical session covering relationships with developers, delivering roads, sporting facilities, libraries and community infrastructure, and innovative approaches to sequencing, funding and delivery.
2:00pm Session 4: Planning service delivery for future populations
Discussion on the local government role where planning frameworks are largely state determined, including translating state planning decisions into local outcomes, service planning for maternal and child health, early years, schools and community services and more.
3:00pm Break
3:15pm Session 5: The push and pull of Advocacy
Discussion on when push back is feasible but pulling forward Federal and State investment is preferable, and the importance of a collaborative, evidence-based approach.
4:00pm Next Steps
Facilitated exercise to identify other issues for exploration and how to maintain connection.
4.30pm Transport to Welcome Function at Novotel Melbourne Airport
Joint networking drinks with delegates attending the NGAA National Congress over the following three days.
