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Session Three focused on one of the key challenges facing growth areas: ensuring their contribution is properly recognised within national policy, planning and investment frameworks.
Mayor Glenn Docherty opened the session by reflecting on the realities facing councils thatcontinue to manage strong population growth while advocating for theinfrastructure and services required to support expanding communities.
Dr Emma Baker introduced NGA25, a proposed national growth area classification developed to better identify and understand Australia's outer metropolitan growth regions. She argued that growth areas have historically been difficult to measure consistently because existing geographic classifications were designed for other purposes. This has contributed to a policy blind spot, making it harder to understand and communicate the significance of these communities at a national level. NGA25 was presented as a transparent, evidence-based framework that would provide a clearer picture of where growth is occurring and the scale of its impact.
Matthew Nichol demonstrated how accessible data and evidence can support stronger decision-making. Through REMPLAN's NGAA Region Explorer tools, he showcased how councils can better understand housing, economic and demographic trends across growth areas. His presentation focused on translating complex information into practical insights that support policy development, strategic planning and community outcomes. Throughout his presentation, Matthew emphasised that good decisions rely not only on data, but on making that information accessible, meaningful and usable for the people shaping communities.
Senator The Hon James McGrath provided a federal perspective on urban infrastructure and planning policy, reinforcing the importance of ensuring government investment decisions align with where Australia's growth is actually occurring.
Together, the speakers highlighted the importance of visibility. If growth areas are to secure the recognition, investment and policy attention they require, governments need better ways of identifying, measuring and understanding their contribution to Australia's future.
· Professor Emma Baker: What governments can measure and identify is ultimately what they are able to support, invest in and plan for.
· Matthew Nichol: Better outcomes begin with better evidence, delivered in a way that helps decision-makers act with confidence.
