More effective collaboration across all levels of government would enable better planning and help deliver key infrastructure for Wollongong, an advocacy group says.
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The Property Council of Australia is calling for a cities policy to be a priority for the next federal government, and the acceleration of City Deals across all capital cities and targeted regional cities such as Wollongong.
According to the federal government, City Deals are a partnership between the three levels of government and the community, with an aim "to work towards a shared vision for productive and liveable cities".
City Deals have been developed for Western Sydney, Townsville, Launceston, Darwin, Hobart, Geelong and Adelaide, and are in progress for Perth and South East Queensland.
Property Council Illawarra regional director Michelle Guido said the way we plan for growth and investment in Wollongong is vital, and will have a huge impact on its future economy.
"A City Deal for Wollongong would act as a strong, strategic policy tool to bring planning, investment and governance together to accelerate growth, stimulate urban renewal and drive infrastructure investment for our city," Ms Guido said.
"Wollongong is a transforming city. With a stronger strategic framework and governance model in place, it will enable more effective collaboration across all levels government to facilitate strategic planning and the delivery of key pieces of infrastructure to support business growth and investment.
"A great deal of work and studies have already been done by the Wollongong City Deal Collaborative group, which was initiated in 2017 to bring key stakeholders together from a range of industry groups and all levels of government to prepare for the opportunity to develop a City Deal for Wollongong.
"We just need the green light and support of the federal government to formalise a City Deal, and the commitment for a collaborative partnership from all three tiers of government to support growth, drive economic activation and investment in our city."
The Property Council has released a policy platform with several proposals to create great Australian cities.
These include to accelerate City Deals across all capital cities and targeted regional cities; create a Cities Advisory Board to improve city planning around major infrastructure projects; and fund a Future Cities Cooperative Research Council.
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