Regional capitals across Australia perform a critical role in their communities and each faces a unique set of challenges and opportunities. The terms of reference for this inquiry were crafted to enable the committee to, among other things, investigate how Australian government policy could better address the needs of these regional cities. The terms of...

The Smart Cities Plan sets out the Australian Government’s vision for our cities - metropolitan and regional - and its commitment to smart investment, smart policy and smart technology.

The Deal or No Deal? report highlights that Australia’s small cities are strong performers economically, but if we look under the bonnet there are some essential ingredients that enable small cities to succeed and grow consistently over time. These include: • high rates of connectivity through physical and digital infrastructure so that firms and people...

Governments are in denial about population growth and its impact on Australia’s major cities. It’s time to take up the challenge SOMETIME over the next three months, Sydney’s population will reach five million. If Melbourne keeps growing at its current pace, by 2020 it too will have five million residents – and it won’t stay...

Assesses whether councils effectively identify community needs for recreational facilities and services and whether council planning decisions for aquatic recreation centres are soundly based. Summary This audit assessed whether councils effectively identify community needs for recreational facilities and services, whether council planning decisions for aquatic recreation centres are soundly based and whether councils are maximising...