24 Nov 2016
24 NOV 2016
The Australian Government’s commitment to collaboration has been welcomed by the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA), as the federal government responds to the Infrastructure Australia Plan.
The Turnbull Government’s response to Infrastructure Australia’s 15-year plan includes support for 69 of the 78 recommendations. The Turnbull Government had already committed to invest a record $50 billion on national infrastructure over five years to the end of the decade.
Speaking to Parliament earlier today, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said “we need to get better at planning and building the infrastructure and to do that, we have to work together. By working together, we will build a legacy of liveable, sustainable, productive cities and regions for future generations.”
According to Jonathan Cartledge, the GBCA’s Senior Manager – Government & Industry, the significant financial investment, alongside the Smart Cities Plan and the development of City Deals across Australia, are important first steps.
“The Prime Minister’s commitment to collaboration, and his determination to work with the states and territories, is the best way to deliver better value for money and longer-term strategic planning across Australia.
“The promise to develop urban rail plans across Australia’s largest cities, together with a new national freight and supply chain strategy and land transport market reform, recognises the importance of working with all modes of infrastructure to deliver a system that works in the national interest.”
Mr Cartledge says the Prime Minister’s response “rightly observes” that infrastructure is an enabler of jobs, economic growth and productivity.
“Infrastructure is the key to unlocking our cities’ potential, and if well planned, will deliver liveable, sustainable, healthy and resilient communities as our populations grows.”
The GBCA argues that measuring the success of decisions and investments today remains essential to the delivery of lasting value to communities.
“Policies that leverage the private sector, and collaboration that helps deliver better data, integrated planning and new technologies will help us understand the broader benefits of the decisions we make today for the cities we want to live in tomorrow,” Mr Cartledge explains.
“Long-term planning is exactly that. If we want to secure the standard of living we enjoy today for our grandchildren, then we need governments at every level to lead beyond their current electoral cycle.
“That leadership must extend from plans and policies to longer-term funding and financing, taking advantage of our strong financial position to help build the communities that will ultimately build the nation.”
The Green Building Council of Australia looks forward to continuing its work with governments across Australia to help deliver these important recommendations for Australia’s future.