New Urban Policy Forum a welcome step

A new Urban Policy Forum will ensure the planning, design and management of Australia’s cities remains high on the national agenda, says the nation’s leading green building and communities organisation.

The Australian Government’s new Urban Policy Forum was announced today by the Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Anthony Albanese, during an Urban Policy Protocol Workshop, co-hosted by the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) and the Major Cities Unit.

Launching the forum, Minister Albanese said that it aims to promote dialogue between the sector, the community and the government, and will be an ‘ideas generator.’

Chief Executive of the GBCA, Romilly Madew, who will sit on the Urban Policy Forum, says that it is crucial that cities remain high on the national agenda.

“Cities are the bedrock of our nation’s productivity, and are home to around 80 per cent of our population.  How we plan, design, build and manage our cities will shape the future prosperity, opportunities, health and wellbeing of future generations of Australians.

Romilly Madew joins experts from across all levels of government, as well as industry and academia, to advise the Australian Government on the implementation of the National Urban Policy.

“The Green Building Council of Australia is pleased to be involved in the Urban Policy Forum and commends the Australian Government for its ongoing commitment to urban design.  We have long advocated a consistent, coordinated approach to urban design and planning, and see the establishment of the Urban Policy Forum as another vital step towards truly productive, sustainable and liveable cities,” says Ms Madew.

"The Australian Government's commitment to an integrated approach to the design, delivery and management of our cities is particularly evident in the Urban Design Protocol, which the GBCA believes has created a common language for industry and the community.  The GBCA has referenced the Protocol in our Green Star - Communities rating tool, and we expect the Protocol to become a key resource for the planning and design of our cities," Ms Madew concludes.

Contact:
Karen Jamal
Communications Manager
Green Building Council of Australia
Phone: 0412 179 135
Email: karen.jamal@gbca.org.au