A
government development proposal for South East Queensland is a game changer for
the region and an essential momentum-builder towards a national network of city
deals that will be beneficial to the nation’s urban landscape, according
to the Property Council of Australia.
The Morrison government has already committed to work with the Queensland
government, as well as local councils in South East Queensland, to create the
South East Queensland (SEQ) City Deal. City Deals are partnerships between
the three levels of government and the community to work towards a shared
vision for productive and liveable cities.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the new deal would help attract more
investments on top of the federal government’s billions of dollars of funding
for congestion-busting roads and rail projects.
“In one of the most urbanised countries in the world, City Deals are the ‘real
deal’ in driving productivity and investment for our growing cities and
regions,” said Ken Morrison, chief executive of the Property Council. “The
SEQ City Deal is a substantial piece of work that focuses the big economic
drivers of the region.”
The Property Council head said it’s particularly important that the
government’s City Deal framework expands to include the major capital cities
where most people live and which are growing the fastest.
“Australia is one of the most urbanised countries in the world, with
fast-growing cities which are magnets for talent, investment and jobs. The way
we plan and invest for the future of our cities will have a huge impact on
the Australian economy and our future opportunities,” he said.