President’s Update – 14 August 2023

ALGA calls for coordinated approach to housing crisis

Ahead of this week’s National Cabinet meeting focusing on planning reforms to create affordable housing, ALGA is calling for a more coordinated and collaborative approach across all levels of government to address Australia’s affordable housing crisis.

Increasing the supply of more affordable housing can’t be fixed through new land releases alone.  We need to invest in building more liveable and sustainable communities, and the local infrastructure and services that will benefit all Australians.

I was also delighted to attend and contribute to discussions at the Planning Ministers’ Meeting last month.  As outlined in the Communique, Planning Ministers reinforced their commitment to national cooperation, collaboration and information sharing on a range of planning matters.

We believe there’s a lot more councils can do to help solve Australia’s affordability housing crisis, with the right support, funding partnership and proper regulations in place.

ALGA continues to advocate for a new $100 million per year fund that will support us to play a bigger role in addressing Australia’s affordable housing crisis.

Win! Minster Chris Bowen to attend National Local Roads, Transport and Infrastructure Congress

I am excited to confirm we will host a Local Government Climate Change Roundtable Breakfast in Canberra on 7 September with Federal Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen.

This special event will be held at the Kambri Cultural Centre, ANU as part of our 2023 National Local Roads, Transport and Infrastructure Congress.

Minister Bowen will be joined by local mayors and myself at this roundtable, where we will highlight how councils are leading climate action and reducing our carbon footprint.

Finally, a friendly reminder that early bird registrations for the 2023 Congress close this Friday 18 August – so don’t delay!  View the program here and register online.