The City Deals framework developed under the Coalition Government must be scaled up if Australia's cities are going to meet the future challenges they face, according to the Property Council of Australia. 

The council has called for a cities policy to be a priority for the next federal government, outlining several proposals within its policy platform.

Chief Executive Ken Morrison said the way Australia planned for and invested in its cities would have a huge impact on its future economy and quality of life.

Property Council of Australia's proposals to create great Australian cities:

• Accelerate City Deals across all capital cities and targeted regional cities
• Create a Cities Advisory Board to improve city planning around major infrastructure projects
• Fund a Future Cities Cooperative Research Council
• Invest more in productive infrastructure according to the Infrastructure Australia priority list and
• Restore the Asset Recycling Fund to incentivise major state projects.

“Australia’s major cities are among the fastest-growing in the developed world," he said.

“Delivering good growth in our cities and regions demands more than just tinkering with immigration levels.

“Good growth requires real policy purpose and investment in priority infrastructure projects to help our cities and their residents reach their full potential.

“We’ve made a good start but need to keep the momentum going.”

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Property Council of Australia Chief Executive Ken Morrison. Source: Property Council of Australia

The Property Council of Australia proposed the City Deals concept in 2014, before producing a guide with the 10 building blocks for ‘real deals’ in 2017, and releasing Creating Great Australian Cities with Professor Greg Clark in 2018.

Reflecting a partnership between the three levels of government, City Deals are designed to stimulate urban renewal and drive economic reforms through coordinating the planning, investment and governance necessary to accelerate growth.

The City Deals that have been agreed so far include Launceston, Townsville, Western Sydney, Darwin, Hobart, Geelong, and Adelaide.

Deals have also been announced for Perth and South East Queensland.

Mr Morrison said the Property Council supported targeted measures that promote dispersal outside the big cities, and these measures are welcome in many parts of Australia.

“However, the most important numbers to focus on are the real dollar commitments being made to the critical infrastructure projects which will support our growing cities," he said.

“Our four biggest cities will continue to attract the overwhelming majority of migrants because that is where most Australians already live and work.

“Let’s keep our eye on the main game: great cities for current and future generations of Australians." 

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