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Congestion, emissions and poor affordability are the biggest issues facing capital cities
Lord Mayors of Australia’s capital cities and peak industry associations met in Canberra today to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing our cities, and to identify key priority actions for the Federal Government to secure the productive, sustainable and liveable future of urban Australia.
Today’s discussion explored the Gillard Government’s Our Cities, Our Future – A National Urban Policy
released in May. Participants discussed key challenges facing Australia’s cities and explored a wide
range of solutions and opportunities to enhance urban communities.
“Federal Government involvement in our cities is vital,” said Rob Valentine, Lord Mayor and Chair of the
Council of Capital City Lord Mayors (CCCLM).
“Our cities are of national significance; they are where the majority of Australians live and work, where
most of our businesses are located and where the bulk of our economic activity happens.
“Our cities are not the sole domain of state, territory or local governments. While our cities are all
unique, we need to harness their collective economic clout, minimise environmental harm and make
them attractive and affordable places to live.
“We should, rightly, be proud that Australia’s cities rate well internationally for their liveability and
attractiveness, but let’s not be complacent and ignore emerging and existing issues. Continuation of a
business as usual approach is simply not sustainable.”
After wide ranging discussions, leading local government and industry representatives agreed the key
issues which would most benefit from Federal Government engagement were:
- boosting productivity by tackling transport congestion – integrated, reliable transport systems are needed, incorporating freight and passenger movements across modes; road, rail, bus, air and port, walking and cycling.
- promoting sustainability by reducing greenhouse gas emissions – improving the energy efficiency performance of buildings, especially existing buildings, and accelerating the supply of low emission and renewable energy.
- improving liveability by improving housing affordability – reigning in living costs associated with housing by enhancing the supply of a variety of dwelling types in appropriate locations, to match demand for housing generated by an ageing population, key workers and families.
“Today’s discussion brought together local government, industry and non-government organisations
with an interest in cities to share information and ideas regarding what is most important in terms of
Federal attention and action,” Lord Mayor Valentine said.
“As Lord Mayors, we will continue to advocate for direct Federal Government involvement and
investment in Australia’s cities. We are looking for bipartisan political support federally; improving the
livelihoods of 3 in every 4 Australians should be an entrenched Federal Government priority.”
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