National Urban Policy

Our Cities, Our Future - A National Urban Policy for a productive, sustainable and liveable future Full document [PDF: 3009 KB] Foreword [PDF: 294 KB] Chapter 1 - Introduction [PDF: 509 KB] Chapter 2 - Principles, Goals and Objectives [PDF: 343 KB] Chapter 3 - Productivity [PDF: 491 KB] Chapter 4 - Sustainability [PDF: 519 KB] Chapter 5 - Livebility [PDF: 472 KB] Chapter 6 - Governance [PDF: 354 KB] Chapter 7 - Summary Action Plan [PDF: 278 KB] Appendix A - COAG National Criteria for Cities [PDF: 79 KB]

On 18 May 2011, the Minister for Infrastructure and Transport released Our Cities, Our Future - A National Urban Policy for a productive, sustainable and liveable future.

Our Cities, Our Future sets in place the Australian Government's objectives and directions for our cities as we prepare for the decades ahead. It recognises the critical roles that State, Territory and Local Governments, the private sector and individuals play in planning, managing and investing in cities. It also highlights that the Australian Government makes decisions that impact upon urban Australia. 

This is the first time that an Australian Government has sought to outline its overarching goals for the nation's cities and how we will play a role in making them more productive, sustainable and liveable.

Summary Documents

• Summary - goals, objectives and principles of the National Urban Policy [PDF: 71 KB]
• Summary - priorities of the National Urban Policy [PDF: 76 KB]
• Information flyer [PDF: 10535 KB]

Ministerial Statement

• Our Cities, Our Future: A National Urban Policy for a Productive, Austainable and Liveable Future

Related Funding Programs Announced in the 2011-2012 Budget

• Budget Highlights - Investing in sustainable communities

 

Goals, Objectives and Principles of the National Urban Policy

Goals	Objectives	Principles
Productivity	To harness the productivity of Australias people and industry, by better managing our use of labour, creativity and knowledge, land and infrastructure	Efficiency   Value for money   Innovation   Adaptability   Resilience   Equity   Affordability   Subsidiarity   Integration   Engagement
	1.  Improve labour and capital productivity
	2.  Integrate land use and infrastructure
	3.  Improve the efficiency of urban infrastructure
Sustainability	To advance the sustainability of Australias natural and built environment, including through better resource and risk management
	4.  Protect and sustain our natural and built environments
	5.  Reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality
	6.  Manage our resources sustainably
	7.  Increase resilience to climate change, emergency events and natural hazards
Liveability	To enhance the liveability of our cities by promoting better urban design, planning and affordable access to recreational, cultural and community facilities
	8.  Facilitate the supply of appropriate mixed income housing
	9.  Support affordable living choices
	10. Improve accessibility and reduce dependence on private vehicles
	11. Support community wellbeing
Governance	To progress the goals of productivity, sustainability and liveability through better governance, planning and management
	12. Improve the planning and management of our cities
	13. Streamline administrative processes
	14. Evaluate progress

Downlad the Goals, objectives and principles of the National Urban Policy [PDF: 76 KB]