The Australian Government has announced the establishment of a Cities Reference Group to help advise government on cities policy.
Assistant Minister for Cities and Digital Transformation Angus Taylor said the Cities Reference Group comprised leading thinkers on issues relating to Australian cities, as well as internationally renowned experts.
“It will be a valuable source of expertise and insight for the Government as we continue to deliver on the Smart Cites Plan,” Taylor said.
“Our cities agenda is all about positioning our cities to be the best they can be in the future.
“I’m looking forward to working with the Reference Group as we continue to refine our cities policy, foster new ideas for innovation and collaboration, and shape the way we measure performance of our cities."
The first meeting of the group to be chaired Taylor will be held on April 26, 2017.
Establishment of the Cities Reference Group builds on the work already undertaken with other governments, industry and experts to deliver on the Government’s Smart Cities Plan.
The Smart Cities Plan, released last year, sets out a vision for Australia’s cities based on smart policy, smart investment and smart technology.
The Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) has welcomed initiatives by the government to position Australian cities to succeed in the 21st century economy.
Step by step, the government is establishing the building blocks for better cities, according to GBCA CEO, Romilly Madew.
“The GBCA looks forward to sharing our expertise through the Cities Reference Group, and continuing to work closely with the Turnbull Government on the delivery of the National Cities Performance Framework and City Deals across Australia in the months ahead,” Madew said.