Australia’s peak planning body is calling on the Federal Coalition to announce its election plans
for cities and growth.

The Planning Institute of Australia (PIA) made the call after the Rudd Labor Government today
announced its intention to appoint a Minister for Cities if re-elected.

PIA Chief Executive Officer Kirsty Kelly said today’s announcement was music to the ears of the
planning industry.

“We have been calling for a unified strategic approach to the planning and management of the
growth of our cities for a long time,” Ms Kelly said.

“Indeed the appointment of a Minister for Cities and other initiatives in today’s announcement
are things we have advised the Government should do as part of such a strategy.

“This announcement affirms the value of planning at a national level and demonstrates that the
current Government recognises that planning matters.

“A similar commitment to the management of the growth of our cities from the Coalition before
the election would be welcomed by the planning fraternity.”

Ms Kelly sits on the National Urban Policy Forum which was put together by the Federal
Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Minister Anthony Albanese in 2012.

It was established to bring together experts across all levels of government, industry and
academia to provide advice on the urban policy agenda.

PIA has also been advocating for better strategic planning and growth management of cities
through its role in the Urban Coalition which earlier this year launched A New Deal for Urban
Australia.

That document called for better infrastructure funding for new growth areas and recommended
sourcing private sector dollars through the establishment of the Urban Infrastructure Fund.

The Urban Coalition called for a stronger role for Infrastructure Australia and the establishment
of the Department for Cities and Urban Development which would incorporate the Major Cities
Unit.

Today’s announcement by the Rudd Labor Government included the establishment of an
industry-led Outer Suburban Growth Taskforce to work with Federal and State Governments,
local councils and the private sector.

The Taskforce will be supported by an expanded Major Cities Unit in the Department of
Infrastructure and Transport.

“One of the big issues in planning throughout Australia is the way the outer suburbs are
growing,” Ms Kelly said.

“Long commutes to work for people who live in outer suburbs will get worse unless employment
opportunities in these areas are addressed.

“The proper management of growth in our cities is vital. Cities are home to 75% of the
population and are the Australian economy’s engine room generating 85% of the country’s
wealth.

“We thoroughly endorse the Rudd Labor Government’s election promise and look forward to
hearing the Coalition’s plans.”
PIA Chief Executive Officer Kirsty Kelly