The Property Council of Australia and the Residential Development Council (RDC) welcome the release of the COAG Reform Council’s Capital Cities Strategic Planning Systems Review, which lays a foundation for much-needed change in the way cities are planned and managed.
The review and its recommendations demonstrate that we must get smarter about investing in and managing our cities, said Peter Verwer, Chief Executive, Property Council of Australia.
“Cities provide the surest pathway to sparking a productivity super cycle in Australia.”
“A clear COAG commitment on cities reform will drive this much-needed boost in productivity and liveability,” said Mr Verwer.
“The review showed that not one jurisdiction met all the criteria adopted by COAG.”
“The next COAG meeting should commit to a process that will set performance targets for cities,” said Mr Verwer.
An integrated response to housing supply must head the list of priority actions, said Caryn Kakas, Executive Director, Residential Development Council.
“The links between housing, employment opportunities and infrastructure are key feature of strategic planning for our cities.”
“Government can only improve housing affordability through an integrated plan which provides for affordable housing and supports the delivery of a diverse range of dwellings.”
“Housing is unaffordable. Now is the time for a genuine housing policy with clear outcomes and strong targets to improve affordability,” said Ms Kakas.
“Too much of the current cities agenda is fragmented, left scattered between Ministers with no clear funding streams in sight,” said Mr Verwer.
“The Federal government, in particular, needs to work with the jurisdictions to focus on delivering targeted implementation plans and clear leadership in the cities agenda.”
“Achieving the vision will require direct action, targeted objectives and commitment from all spheres of government.”
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Media Contacts:
Peter Verwer, Chief Executive, Property Council of Australia on 0407 463 842 or pverwer@propertyoz.com.au;
Caryn Kakas, Executive Director, Residential Development Council on 0404 257 540 or ckakas@propertyoz.com.au;
Emma Clark, PR & Communications Manager, Residential Development Council on 0428 950 866 or eclark@propertyoz.com.au
