On 30 April 2008 the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, the Hon Anthony Albanese MP, announced that the Government would establish a Major Cities Unit within the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government to renew the Commonwealth’s focus on the nation’s cities and on urban development.
Besides the eight capital cities, our major cities include major regional centres experiencing enormous growth, such as Geelong, the Gold Coast, Newcastle and Townsville.
Australia is one of the most urbanised countries in the world, with more than four out of five Australians living in urban communities.
Between 2001 and 2006 our capital cities contributed 78 per cent to the nation’s economic growth.
The Major Cities Unit will concentrate on:
