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The National Growth Areas Alliance (NGAA) congratulates the Albanese Government on securing a second term and welcomes the continuity this brings to Australia’s urban policy agenda.
With more than 5.6 million Australians living in fast-growing outer suburbs, and a projected 1.5 million more by 2031, Alliance members are literally ‘building Australia’s future’. Much of the election campaign focused on growth area electorates, and that focus must continue.
The swings towards Labor in 32 of 45 outer suburban electorates reflect our communities’ expectation that the trust they have placed in the returned Albanese Government will be reflected in policy and funding decisions this term.
Prime Minister Albanese and his team are now in the strongest possible position to deliver on his vision of “no-one held back and no-one left behind’ particularly when it comes to your postcode. This is a golden opportunity to deliver the services, infrastructure and long-term planning needed by outer suburban communities who are currently being held back from reaching their potential.
NGAA looks forward to continuing our partnership with the Albanese Government to meet our communities' expectations, particularly through the ongoing leadership of Infrastructure Minister Catherine King. We congratulate Minister Clare O’Neil for her expanded portfolio responsibilities, now overseeing Cities alongside Housing and Homelessness. This integration reflects the reality on the ground - that housing and urban planning must go hand in hand
We extend our congratulations to Minister Michelle Rowland on her appointment as Attorney-General. We valued our strong collaboration during her time as Minister for Communications and look forward to continuing our engagement in this new capacity.
Portfolios such as Skills and Training, Industry and Innovation, Communications, Arts, Immigration, Education, Sport, and Local Government all have a significant impact on the liveability and opportunity available in growth areas. NGAA is committed to working with ministers and departments across these areas to unlock the potential of Australia’s outer suburbs and ensure they are equipped to meet the needs of our rapidly growing and diverse communities.
‘We are optimistic about the Albanese Government’s continued commitment to strategic urban development. Outer suburbs helped shape this election outcome, and now we have a real opportunity to shape Australia’s future through better coordinated planning, infrastructure and investment,’ said Mayor Terresa Lynes, interim Chair of NGAA and Mayor of City of Gosnells.
The Alliance is particularly hopeful that the National Urban Policy, developed in Labor’s first term, will now move into implementation. Our member councils welcome the government commitments to priority infrastructure projects and we hope that suburban-focused funding programs are restored and are enhanced. However, a more strategic, long-term infrastructure investment framework is essential to addressing the growing needs of Australia’s fastest-growing suburbs.
‘People need more than a house. Growth area residents need schools, transport, jobs and health services to thrive. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with the Albanese Government to ensure policies reflect this,’ said Bronwen Clark, NGAA CEO.
With upcoming meetings scheduled with MPs and the NGAA National Congress in Perth this July, the Alliance is committed to working across all levels of government to build thriving, liveable, and connected growth communities.
