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About Major Cities Unit

The Major Cities Unit provides coordinated action across government, the private sector and the community, to help secure the nation's economic, environmental and social wellbeing in our major cities. Its core focus is on the eighteen major cities with populations over 100 000 people.

The Unit is part of the Department of Infrastructure and Transport, under the Hon Anthony Albanese MP. It oversees the implementation of the Australian Government's National Urban Policy and produces the annual State of Australian Cities Report.

The Major Cities Unit's strategic work program includes the following streams:

Governance and Policy

 A key role of the Unit is to advance integrated governance structures and best practice strategic planning to support the coordinated development of Australia's major cities, and to set a geographic context for policy, planning and investment decisions, including infrastructure. The Major Cities Unit works across portfolios to ensure that relevant policies and investment are aligned with, and support, the objectives of the National Urban Policy.

Engagement and Consultation

 All three spheres of Government - Commonwealth, State and Territory, and local - have roles to play in meeting the key challenges and opportunities to improve the productivity, liveability and sustainability of Australia's cities. This can only be achieved by working in partnership with government, the private sector and communities. The Major Cities Unit works across all of these stakeholder groups to provide input into the development of urban policy and planning.

Research, Benchmarking and Best Practice

 A strong information base is required to better understand growth and change in Australia's cities, to identify issues and priorities for action, and to inform the best paths for public and private investment. It also enables us to benchmark the performance of our cities, and to monitor progress towards goals.

For information on funding programs announced in the 2011-2012 Federal Budget go to:
http://www.budget.gov.au/2011-12/content/ministerial_statements/urban/html/ms_urban-02.htm


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Last Updated: 12 December, 2011