Australia’s Lord Mayors call for federal leadership and investment to deliver sustainable cities
Ahead of next month’s federal election, Australia’s capital city Lord Mayors have called for federal action to work with local, state and territory governments and invest funding to secure the future of Australia’s capital cities.
“Over two thirds of Australians live or work in one of Australia’s capital cities. We are calling on the ALP, Coalition and the Greens to outline their policies to improve the quality of life for these Australians,” said CCCLM Chair and Lord Mayor of Darwin Graeme Sawyer
The Lord Mayors are calling on the major parties to commit to five priority actions and outline their policy direction in these areas:
1. Implement a National Urban Policy
2. Promote energy efficient cities
3. Deliver infrastructure to boost productivity and job centres
4. Improve housing affordability in capital cities
5. Make our cities safer.
“A lot of attention is being paid to the potential size of Australia’s future population but more attention must be given to the role of the Federal Government in helping Australia’s cities cope with existing and future growth challenges,” Lord Mayor Sawyer said.
“People are stuck in congestion today, and families are finding it hard to afford somewhere to live near to where they work. These big issues need federal attention.
“The fact is, regardless of the future size of Australia’s population, the vast majority of Australians will always live in our capital cities and we must work together to ensure our cities remain liveable and sustainable in the future..
“We need federal leadership and investment to tackle existing issues and future proof our capital cities,” Lord Mayor Sawyer said.
“We are yet to hear any dedicated capital city policies from our federal leaders.”
Lord Mayor Sawyer said the Lord Mayors of Australia’s capital cities were eager to work with the Federal Government to make our cities future ready.
“While we recognise the importance of regional centres and rural areas and the challenges they face, we don’t want the Federal Government to turn its back and stop investing in Australia’s capital cities.
“The first step of the next Australian Government should be to deliver a national urban policy outlining their commitment to secure the future of Australia’s cities, in particular our capital cities.”
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