A settlement strategy and long-term vision would help restore Australia’s social and economic strength after the Covid-19 crisis.
The Committees for Cities and Regions says Australia and New Zealand have managed the health crisis well – and should now capitalise on this by developing consistent standards for a common recovery roadmap.
The independent network has identified six actions to underpin recovery, including:
- Consistent clear health and safety standards;
- Regulatory reform to enhance economic recovery;
- Connected infrastructure planning and investment;
- Digital security and access for all;
- Government and private sector collaboration to drive investment; and
- Vision underpinned by Australia’s success in agribusiness, health, medical technology, innovation, and advanced manufacturing.
“With structures such as Australia’s National Cabinet having already demonstrated the benefit of coordinated decision-making, similar frameworks should continue to operate to support collaboration for our economic recovery,” the committees said in a statement this week.
“This means cooperation by all levels of government, industry and community stakeholders to build the standards and plans that will drive our social and economic future.”
“A clear roadmap and vision for investment in areas such as transport infrastructure would ensure that projects provide long-term benefits and drive a more sustainable pattern of settlement and economic activity in the wake of Covid-19, not just short-term gains,” the network said.
The Committees for Cities and Regions represent the Committees for Adelaide, Auckland (NZ), Ballarat, Brisbane, Broome, Canterbury (NZ), Cairns, Echuca Moama, Geelong, Gippsland, Greater Frankston, Greater Shepparton, the Hunter, Melbourne, Perth, Portland, Sydney, Wagga and Wyndham.