Australia needs a federal Minister and Department for Cities & Urban Development to ensure the nation meets its urban challenges.

“We have developed this call to action to highlight the urgent need for bold leadership and a streamlined, coordinated approach to urban management policy,” says ASBEC President, Tom Roper.

“We are facing a future of transport gridlock, rising greenhouse gas emissions and eroded quality of life unless we take decisive action. An integrated and collaborative approach is mandatory if we are to foster a culture of innovation and excellence, and ensure our cities are liveable, affordable and sustainable,” Mr Roper says.

ASBEC’s list of urgent actions includes:

• A Federal Minister for Cities & Urban Development to drive the reforms needed to better connect urban built environment policies and programs across all levels of government.
• A Cities & Urban Development Cabinet Committee of federal ministers whose portfolios involve decisions or activities pertaining to urban centres.
• A COAG Cities & Urban Development Ministerial Council involving representation by state and territory treasurers and planning ministers, and local government.
• A Cities & Urban Development NGO Roundtable to ensure business and community groups have a direct voice to government on issues involving our cities.
• A Department of Cities & Urban Development tasked with developing and co-ordinating policy which involves urban outcomes.

According to Romilly Madew, Chief Executive of the Green Building Council Australia and chair of the Cities task group, the ASBEC call to action includes a matrix which plots 45 Australian Government programs, strategies and initiatives which impact the built environment.

“While the Australian Government’s commitment to national urban policy is welcome, we are particularly concerned by the lack of co-ordination between the three levels of government in Australia, resulting in inconsistently-managed programs and policies across eight state and territory governments, and more than 500 local governments,” Ms Madew says.

“Business and the community are looking to the Federal Government to join-up their forthcoming policies on population, cities, regional Australia and sustainability,” says Chief Executive of the Property Council of Australia, Peter Verwer.

“Cities – of all shapes and sizes – are the centre of action! A linked up, coordinated approach is needed to meet the challenges of managing growth, improving quality and liveability and transitioning to a lowcarbon economy while maintaining wealth creation,” says David Parken, Chief Executive Officer of Australian Institute of Architects.

Read the media release here.

Read the Call to Action here.