Housing Takes Centre Stage
One of the most striking revelations from the 2024 CLS is the prominence of housing as the foremost challenge facing Australian cities. City leaders unanimously identify deteriorating housing affordability and access as the top factor contributing to urban inequality. This issue has worsened across states, territories, cities, and regions, affecting all income levels, age groups, and tenure types. The rising home prices paired with plummeting rates of homeownership are driving up wealth inequalities, making housing a critical focal point for future urban planning and policy.
Economic, Social, and Environmental Challenges
Beyond housing, the survey uncovers a range of economic, social, and environmental challenges that city leaders are grappling with. The rapid technological advancements in AI, cloud computing, and big data analytics are reshaping business models and services, necessitating a focus on upskilling labour markets to remain competitive. Additionally, the need for strategic investment in social infrastructure, including healthcare, education, and public transport, is emphasised to meet the demands of growing and diverse populations.
Navigating Population Growth and Demographic Changes
Record migration levels have spurred a renewed focus on growth planning and government services. City leaders highlight the importance of balancing ageing and growing populations, with a particular emphasis on enhancing sustainable transport and urban density to support the net zero transition. The interconnected nature of these challenges underscores the need for a holistic approach to urban governance and planning.
A Call for Collaborative Action
The findings from the CLS also reveal a call for more effective government collaboration and intervention. City leaders are advocating for a more cooperative approach to tackle the complex puzzle of urban challenges, with a strong emphasis on public-private partnerships (PPPs) to deliver social, affordable, and specialist market housing. The Federal Government’s role is seen as crucial in leading these collaborative efforts and ensuring that policies and investments are aligned to address the pressing needs of our cities.
