Cities and Built Environment Federal Minister can drive funds to urban infrastructure

21 September 2015

The appointment by the Prime Minister of Jaime Briggs as Minister for Cities and the Built Environment should lead to a greater focus on funding urban infrastructure, says the Urban Taskforce.

 

“The Prime Minister, Malcolm Turnbull, clearly has an interest in cities and how growth is managed,” says Urban Taskforce CEO, Chris Johnson. “It is therefore pleasing to see the appointment of Jaime Briggs as Minister for Cities and the Built Environment. The major role the Federal Government has in cities is in relation to the funding of urban infrastructure projects.”

“It is important that the Federal Government does not confuse the key role that State Governments have in planning and managing cities and their growth. As the major collector of taxes however the Federal Government should allocate funds based on pro-growth policies of State and Local Government.”

“With Australian cities becoming more urban with a big swing to apartment living there is a need to ensure that public transport systems and other amenities are able to support the urban growth. Without adequate funding for urban infrastructure, communities will be reluctant to support urban density which could lead to greater Government costs through our cities spreading vast distances.”

“The Urban Taskforce is keen to work with Minister Briggs as a continuation of discussions held with him a few months ago so that input from the development industry can help inform policy.”

“With the slowdown in the minerals sector it is the property development sector that is leading employment activity in Australia and the continuation of this momentum is important for future prosperity.”

Download PDF Verison.