03 Dec 2024
The Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) has welcomed the Australian Government’s launch of the National Urban Policy as a crucial step toward delivering sustainable, liveable, and climate-resilient cities for future generations.
With nearly 80% of Australians living in urban centres and states and territories working through planning reforms to increase housing supply, this policy provides a much-needed framework to address challenges such as equitable access to housing, infrastructure planning, and climate resilience.
Davina Rooney, CEO of the Green Building Council of Australia and a member of the Urban Policy Forum, said
“The National Urban Policy represents a bold vision for creating cities that are healthier, more equitable, and better equipped to face the challenges of our time.”
“By focusing on collaboration, sustainability, and resilience, it provides a roadmap to ensure our cities meet the needs of both current and future generations.”
GBCA commends the policy’s focus on measurable outcomes and welcomes the commitment to a refreshed State of the Cities report, which will provide vital data to guide sustainable urban growth.
“This policy lays the groundwork for creating affordable, energy-efficient housing and designing urban communities that prioritise health, resilience, and sustainability,” Ms. Rooney said. “It’s a crucial step toward turning vision into action and achieving meaningful outcomes for Australian cities.”
GBCA also welcomes the emphasis on housing affordability and equitable access to infrastructure and services, recognising the importance of integrated, well-planned urban environments.
Ms Rooney said she encourages governments, industry, and community stakeholders to come together to implement the policy’s vision.
“This policy lays the foundation for aligning efforts across sectors to create urban environments where people can thrive, businesses can innovate, and nature is restored,” Ms Rooney said.
“We congratulate the Urban Policy Forum and all contributors to the National Urban Policy for delivering this forward-thinking framework. By sharing expertise and leveraging tools like Green Star, we can accelerate the transition to thriving, sustainable cities.”
You can read the policy here.