Australia’s national gathering of growth-area leaders returns in 2026, hosted by the City of Hume. Join mayors, councillors, CEOs, senior executives, policymakers and industry partners for four days of discussion, collaboration and insight focused on delivering the communities Australia needs for the future.
The NGAA Congress is the premier national forum for leaders from Australia’s fastest-growing outer metropolitan communities.
Each year, Congress brings together local government decision-makers, infrastructure partners, policymakers, researchers and practitioners to explore how growth areas can deliver housing, jobs, connectivity and liveability in a coordinated and sustainable way.
Congress provides a space to
Whether you are attending to learn, collaborate or influence national policy, Congress offers unmatched insight into the communities shaping Australia’s future.
NGAA Congress 2026 will focus on how growth-area councils, partners and governments can move beyond planning to delivery - ensuring housing growth is matched with infrastructure, services and opportunity.
Across sessions and site visits, Congress will explore themes including:
The program is designed to combine strategic discussion with practical insights from councils delivering on the ground.
NGAA Congress 2026 is proudly hosted by the City of Hume, one of Australia’s fastest-growing and most dynamic metropolitan regions.
Located in Melbourne’s north, Hume is home to major transport corridors, significant employment precincts and rapidly expanding residential communities. The city exemplifies both the opportunities and challenges facing growth areas across the country.
As host, the City of Hume will showcase its leadership in planning for growth, infrastructure delivery and community development.
Congress opens with a dedicated Emerging Growth Areas Forum, focused on councils and regions navigating early-stage growth challenges and opportunities.
The forum will explore:
This session provides a valuable platform for peer learning and strategic discussion among councils at similar stages of growth.
Delegates will gather for the Congress Welcome Reception, providing the first opportunity to connect with peers, partners and speakers in a relaxed setting ahead of the main program.
The reception is designed to foster early connections and set the tone for a collaborative Congress.
Delegates will participate in a curated site tour across the City of Hume, showcasing how growth-area planning, infrastructure delivery and community development are being implemented on the ground.
This day is designed to move the conversation from policy to practice, highlighting real examples of growth delivery in action.
Photo ID is required prior to the event due to security protocols at Melbourne airport.
The core Congress day brings together leaders from across Australia’s growth areas for:
This is the primary forum for shared learning, national advocacy alignment and sector leadership discussion.
Congress concludes with a site tour and roundtable exploring Arts and Cultural Practice in Australia's Growth Areas. Hosted at Bunjil Place, City of Casey, this day will highlight the role of cultural infrastructure in building identity, belonging and liveable communities in growth areas.
A detailed schedule including session times, speakers and site locations is available below.
A range of discounted accommodation options are available for Congress attendees:
Seminar Rate (15% discount)
Enjoy a flexible 15% discounted rate with no prepayment required. This option is available up until the day prior to check-in and can be cancelled free of charge up to 24 hours before arrival.
Early Bird Rate (greater discount)
Secure a higher discounted rate by booking in advance. This option requires full prepayment at the time of booking and is non-refundable. Available for bookings made up to 90 days prior to arrival, after which this rate will no longer be offered.
NGAA Congress is made possible through the support of our partners across government, infrastructure, planning, technology and advisory sectors.
Sponsor opportunities are available across multiple tiers and provide strong exposure to local government decision-makers from across Australia.
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Novoplan was founded by experienced infrastructure planning practitioners to address the challenges caused by outdated contribution management systems. We provide a purpose-built technology solution that empowers local and state authorities to plan and deliver infrastructure more efficiently - supporting housing supply, economic growth, and thriving communities. Our values shape every aspect of how we work with clients and partners to build better futures
Join leaders from across Australia’s growth areas to shape the next decade of communities.
