Delivering Density Reviving the Illawarra s urban Centres

Delivering Density: Reviving the Illawarra’s urban CentresThe Property Council of Australia is planning to release the results of a major research project looking at growth in the Illawarra at its next Illawarra Chapter Lunch in June. The Property Council of Australia commissioned the research conducted by Judith Stubbs and Associates late last year and the resulting research report, Greater Illawarra: The Smart Growth Agenda will be released in the coming weeks. The research looks at the value of the Illawarra as a region and the key policy and infrastructure changes needed to unlock the region’s economic potential and provide for optimum levels of liveability. The Illawarra is one of Australia’s most connected regional communities, with more than 5 million people living within a three hour drive. However the region’s current growth initiatives are haphazard and tend to undervalue the potential for growth in the Illawarra. The Property Council’s critical Greater Illawarra research seeks to provide a strategic framework for growth and builds a compelling case for stronger Government investment in the Illawarra. The Greater Illawarra research shows what is possible beyond current growth analysis, geographic boundaries and government policy restrictions. The key recommendations included in the report set a clear path toward the stronger population and economic growth needed to increase quality of life in the Illawarra where residents have access to jobs, housing they can afford, transport, cultural opportunities and higher order services such as education and medical facilities.A key finding of the research is the need for increased focus on urban centres in the Illawarra supported by critical planning reform to deliver density and diversity in urban centres. The research’s recommendations in relation to delivering density and the infrastructure projects and local planning reform necessary to achieve density will be the focus of the next Illawarra Chapter Lunch on 5 June. The lunch, Delivering Density: Reviving our urban Centres, will include a keynote address by Chris Richardson from Deloitte Access Economics followed by a presentation of the research by Judy Stubbs. A panel, including Chris Richardson, Judy Stubbs, the head of GPT’s Wholesale Shopping Centre Fund Michelle Tierney and Jennifer Macquarie Director of local property development company Fountaindale Group of Companies, will discuss how the Illawarra can best accommodate growth and why growth is essential for continued investment in the region and to create a more prosperous and sustainable region. For more information and to book tickets to the Illawarra Lunch on 5 June please click here.