National Urban Policy
Client: The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts
Service: Place Strategy
The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts (The Department) are developing a National Urban Policy that identifies the role that all levels of government, industry and the community can play in improving Australian cities and suburbs.
“Our cities and suburbs continue to present opportunities and challenges as they play a critical role in Australia’s economic, social and environmental future. As our cities grow and change, we have an opportunity to plan for and create sustainable and adaptive urban environments that meet the needs of current and future generations.”
Draft National Urban Policy, The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts: https://www.infrastructure.gov.au/department/media/publications/draft-national-urban-policy
The National Urban Policy outlines the Australian Government’s goals and objectives to enable our urban areas to be liveable, equitable, productive, sustainable and resilient.
Murawin was contracted to engage and consult First Nations communities and provide a report on First Nations perspectives on creating liveable urban environments to be incorporated into the policy ahead of public consultation and feedback.
Once finalised, the policy will include a shared vision for sustainable growth in our cities and suburbs, developed in partnership with state and territory governments.
Our Role
It was Murawin’s role to facilitate a comprehensive consultation process with First Nations groups and communities across Australia’s major cities and urban areas, ensuring that a diverse range of voices and perspectives were heard and valued with the draft National Urban Policy.
The delivery of this role involved:
Identifying Relevant First Nations Entities
Recognising the rich tapestry of Indigenous cultures and experiences, we strived to ensure that representation was both comprehensive and inclusive.
Developing Culturally Appropriate Consultation Questions
These questions were designed to foster meaningful dialogue and elicit insights that would inform the development of a culturally sensitive NUP.
Capturing Detailed Feedback
This involved actively listening to the concerns, aspirations, and recommendations of First Nations groups and individuals.
Producing a Comprehensive Report
Capturing the essence of the consultations, this report would serve as a valuable resource in the development of the NUP, reflecting the collective wisdom and insights garnered from First Nations communities and experts
Draft National Urban Policy, The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts: https://www.infrastructure.gov.au/department/media/publications/draft-national-urban-policy
The final report Murawin provided to the Department included 15 recommendations broken down into 3 categories that capture what the First Nations participants aspired to have embedded in the policy. These recommendations have been woven through the draft policy ensuring First Nations representation across the entire policy
The Goals
There are 5 key Government goals outlined in the draft Nation Urban Policy:
Liveable
Where people can live in a place of their choosing, within their means, suitable to their needs. This is a safe, well designed, well-built city that promotes active, independent living, quality of life and connections within the community.
Equitable
Where everyone has fair access to resources, opportunities and amenities, no matter where they live or their socio-economic status.
Productive
Where cities foster shared prosperity and provide economic opportunities by enabling goods and services to move efficiently, and providing people with access to employment, services and infrastructure.
Sustainable
Where governments, industry and community work together to appropriately plan for urban growth, reduce emissions, promote a circular economy and adapt to climate change to ensure that our urban areas meet the needs of diverse communities and that our natural environments are rehabilitated for future generations.
Resilient
Where our cities are economically, socially and environmentally resilient to the impacts of change, including changing climate and increasing exposure to climate-related hazards.
Draft National Urban Policy, The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts: https://www.infrastructure.gov.au/department/media/publications/draft-national-urban-policy
The Objectives
To support the 5 goals, 6 objectives are outlined in the policy with First Nations people mentioned in each.
No-one and no place left behind
Creating communities with equitable access to infrastructure, education, jobs and cultural activities.
All people belong and are welcome
Supporting community participation and creative talent though cultural organisations that sustain the arts, entertainment and culture in Australia’s cities, particularly in partnership with First Nations and multicultural communities.
Our urban areas are safe
Creating spaces that are inviting and where crime is reduced, particularly for marginalised groups. Ensuring people can live in places that are resilient to changing hazards, including heatwaves and storms.
Our urban areas are sustainable
Supporting urban areas to improve sustainability and achieve net zero emissions by 2050.
Our urban environments and communities promote health and wellbeing
Strengthening connections between public spaces in urban neighbourhoods to enable people from all communities to lead healthy lifestyles, socially connect, and access natural environments and services.
Our urban areas promote productivity
Improving connection between people and goods through efficient, low-cost, accessible and active transport options and expanded telecommunications connectivity so people from all communities can work from anywhere and easily move between jobs, contributing to improved work-life balance.
Draft National Urban Policy, The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts: https://www.infrastructure.gov.au/department/media/publications/draft-national-urban-policy
Draft National Urban Policy, The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts: https://www.infrastructure.gov.au/department/media/publications/draft-national-urban-policy
The last National Urban Policy was developed in 2011 and shockingly only had one passing mention of First Nations people. This new draft policy mentions First Nations people 63 times throughout the report with representation across the majority of the goals and objectives. This is a great improvement and one Murawin is proud to have played a part in implementing.
It is vital that First Nations perspectives are incorporated and woven through the final National Urban Policy
with respect and recognition of the diverse voices, opinions and experiences found in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. We look forward to seeing the final policy released after the recent public consultation process and hope it will be a step in the right direction to creating liveable, sustainable and productive urban centres that are built for everyone.
If you would like to learn more and read the full draft National Urban Policy, head to: https://www.infrastructure.gov.au/department/media/publications/draft-national-urban-policy