The Australian Government this week concurrently released the State of Australian Cities 2014-15 and Progress in Australian Regions: State of Regional Australia 2015 reports to provide a nationwide view of Australia's progress.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Warren Truss said the release of both reports provides a holistic picture of the population, employment, economic and transport trends that are occurring across Australia. Minister Truss said the release of the publications recognised the interrelated nature of cities and their surrounding regions.
The State of Australian Cities 2014-15 report provides a national tool for all levels of government in understanding how Australian cities are performing and the vital role that Australian cities play in the growth of our economy. The report examines population growth, economic growth and the increased traffic flows through Australian ports and airports and on roads and rail lines but, unlike previous reports, there is no discussion on the challenges of urban governance or the importance of national leadership in meeting the needs of our cities into the future.
The Progress in Australian Regions: State of Regional Australia 2015 report illustrates the trends and patterns of economic and social progress in regional Australia and the different ways that regions change. It takes into account aspects like population growth, economic wellbeing and social progress including chapters on demographics, economics, structural change, social progress and infrastructure. The report also shows that infrastructure continues to support regional Australian economies by promoting the efficient flow of people and resources while also providing regional Australians with access to essential services such as education and health.
Both reports provide an understanding of our cities and regions to inform policy and investment decisions to help maximise each regions' potential and harness the opportunities associated with each region's own unique advantages.
Read the State of Australian Cities 2014-15 report and the Progress in Australian Regions: State of Regional Australia 2015 report.