Transport, tourism groups welcome government urban policy report

Transport and housing groups have welcomed the Government’s new National Urban Policy document, which produces a guide for the country’s 18 biggest cities to create a sustainable growth plan focusing on public transport and new infrastructure development.

This new policy, coupled with the Productivity Commission report on zoning laws released earlier this week, present a compelling argument for state governments to adopt new approaches to housing later this year at the Council of Australian Governments meeting.

Launched by infrastructure minister Anthony Albanese yesterday, the Government argues a planned strategy is needed as the largest cities “are integral to our economy”, especially in light of an aging population, climate change and global economic forces.

The Federal Government is so committed to introducing this policy Albanese told a conference yesterday it is willing to “intimidate the recalcitrant” if they do not fall into line.

The report proposes the state and Federal governments work together to tackle infrastructure and transport issues in the 18 biggest cities, including the major capitals along with cities such as the Gold Coast, Newcastle, Geelong and Cairns.

The report says population growth is likely to be concentrated in these areas, making calculated planning essential. One particular problem is traffic congestion, which the report warns could cost billions if nothing is done to fix it.

Some of the recommendations include planning more housing closer to essential facilities, such as schools and hospitals, promoting the use of more public transport and encouraging more people to cycle to work and depend less on their cars.

This could be encouraged through changes to the tax system as included in the Henry Tax Review, the report states.

The Government also wants to integrate land planning and the use of infrastructure and improve the efficiency of the construction of that infrastructure as well.

“This National Urban Policy sets a vision for our cities to deliver future prosperity and wellbeing for our communities and reinforces the Council of Australian Governments’ (COAG) national objective to ensure Australian cities are globally competitive, productive, sustainable, liveable, socially inclusive and well placed to meet future challenges and growth,” Albanese said in a statement.

Aaron Gadiel, head of Urban Taskforce Australia, says the report is a welcome addition to the current debate over urban planning and housing construction.

“I think we’ve seen the Government repositioning itself in a way. We were heading in an odd direction last year when it seemed to be embracing some ideas about banning urban expansion and so on.”

“But this report states, as it did in the discussion paper, that new suburbs would have to be expanded as well as expanding upwards as well. It puts in place some very important principles to follow.”

The Council of Capital Cities Lord Mayors has also welcomed the announcement, saying it is “highly symbolic and highly anticipated after three years of preparation”.

“What’s needed now are the partnerships between governments, backed by enough dollars to drive real change.”

This view is backed by the Tourism and Transport Forum, whose chief executive John Lee said the report shows a “comprehensive vision” for the future.

“Australia is one of the most urbanised countries in the world, and the impact on our transport infrastructure, accessibility to affordable housing and the environment is being felt across the country.”

“The Federal Government has a significant role to play in ensuring state and local governments manage growth through a sustainable balance of greenfield and infill development.”

Gadiel says this report, combined with the Productivity Commission’s findings, will be a key topic of discussion at the COAG meeting.

“There are clear items that can be used in these reports, and taken together, it would be a very unwise state government that would try to resist the thrust of these policies.”