A lobby group for Australia’s growth areas is urging the federal government to focus on infrastructure and transport for the areas in its 2014-15 budget.
The National Growth Areas Association said new approaches were needed to finance much-needed infrastructure in booming areas.
Group president Paul Pisasale, mayor of Queensland’s Ipswich council, argued that growth areas, such as Wyndham, presented tremendous opportunities.
“The availability of affordable land, an existing industry base and a relatively young population in outer-suburban growth areas provide real opportunities to boost productivity and improve people’s quality of life,” he said.
“We want to work with the government to unlock this amazing potential and open the door to new and emerging industries and jobs of the future.”
Cr Pisasale said priorities for outer-suburban growth areas included transport to boost business and jobs, industry development incentives and support and infrastructure for “learning and employment pathways”.
