The Australian government's Smart Cities Plan sets out the federal government's vision for productive and liveable cities that encourages innovation, supports growth and creates jobs.
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This vision is delivered through City Deals, which are partnerships between the three levels of government and the community.
City Deals align the planning, investment and governance necessary to accelerate growth and job creation, stimulate urban renewal, and drive economic reforms. Defined timeframes, annual progress reports and regular implementation reviews are key parts of the process.
Nine City Deals have already been agreed in locations including Townsville, Launceston, Darwin, Adelaide, Western Sydney, Perth, South East Queensland, Hobart, with the latest being the Geelong City Deal.
The Greater Newcastle Metropolitan Region is the seventh largest city in Australia, and the Hunter is the leading regional economy in Australia, with thriving communities and a biodiversity-rich natural environment.
A City Deal (or Intergovernmental Partnerships Project) will be transformative for this region, bringing together all levels of government with industry and local communities to identify, prioritise, and deliver key projects to make the Hunter an even better place in which to live and do business.
There is no doubt that the Hunter will continue to grow in importance within both the NSW and national economies.
Planning for growth in economic assets, housing, infrastructure, and protection and enhancement of natural assets is essential, and has to be a priority for government at all levels.
Surely the Hunter - the second major metropolitan area in NSW - should be a top priority for governments?
The City Deals already underway or agreed typically include projects in areas such as city planning and regulation, infrastructure and investment, environment protection and management, jobs and skills, transport, cultural enhancement, innovation and digital opportunities, liveability and sustainability, and housing.
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The Hunter has an abundance of opportunities in every one of these sectors; a transformed Newcastle CBD, a high-growth airport precinct, changing transport infrastructure, or the growing residential and employment zones across the Lower Hunter would all benefit from a well-constructed, inclusive City Deal.
A coordinated approach to understanding the needs of the Hunter's communities, and realising these opportunities, will strengthen the Hunter's position as a prosperous, liveable, sustainable region.
The Hunter Joint Organisation of Councils, including the 10 Hunter Region Councils, has advanced the development of a framework for an Intergovernmental Partnerships Project for the Hunter.
This project is centred on four key areas of benefit to the region:
- Connecting to the world, via enhanced runway infrastructure at Newcastle Airport, and inland rail connections to the Port of Newcastle;
- Connecting our regions, through inter and intra-regional transport connections, and faster rail between Newcastle and Sydney;
- Innovation in jobs, learning, and industry partnerships, to leverage our defence capabilities to support existing and develop new industries, harness industry and university partnerships to create knowledge industries, and broaden the range of university options;
- A liveability guarantee, creating jobs and housing, building inclusive and connected communities, while strengthening natural assets and lifestyle attributes.
The Intergovernmental Partnerships Project contemplated for the Hunter will build on the strategic planning framework provided by the Hunter Regional Plan 2036, the Greater Newcastle Metropolitan Plan 2036, and other state and local planning instruments.
A detailed analysis of the drivers of population growth is a key input to the process.
All of these plans provide the context for all levels of government and the community to set priorities and practical implementation plans that can be delivered in a reasonable time.
This is an important time for governments to work in a bipartisan way, and to engage industry and local communities to capitalise on the momentum and potential we are all seeing in the region.
The Property Council of Australia's Hunter Lunch on Friday (April 12) explores the status of City Deals, and examines the opportunities for Greater Newcastle. Michael Comninos from Astrolabe Group will discuss what progress has been made with this and what we can learn from other city deals.
Michael will be joined by chair of the Joint Organisations of Councils Cessnock Mayor Bob Pynsent, Lord Mayor of Newcastle Nuatali Nelmes, and CEO of Liverpool City Council Kiersten Fishburn to discuss how the Hunter could benefit from a city deal and the community's role in this.
The lunch will be held at The Arena - NEX at 12pm.
Register at propertycouncil.com.au
