ASBEC welcomes the release of the Australian Government’s Smart Cities Plan, which outlines a vision for enhancing liveability, sustainability and productivity in our urban communities.

ASBEC President Prof Ken Maher said “The building sector, through ASBEC, has long called for a whole-of-government approach to planning, energy efficiency measures, infrastructure investment and urban design, to create better long-term outcomes for cities. We congratulate the Federal Government for their focus on the future of our cities, and look forward to this process leading to tangible action.”

“The City Deals model, involving a compact between all spheres of government, reflects a form of planning and infrastructure investment that supports jobs and more liveable, healthy, productive and sustainable communities.”

Of course, sustainable cities are vitally underpinned by sustainable buildings.

“Australia’s commitment to the Paris Climate Agreement binds us to meaningful action on reducing emissions.  A major element towards meeting this objective includes a long-term metropolitan-scale approach to city planning, essentially underpinned by efforts to improve the environmental performance of buildings.”

“Governments, industry and the community will need to work collaboratively together to deliver transformative outcomes for our cities and built environment. As one of the world’s most urbanised countries, we can’t afford not to.” said Prof Maher.

Download ASBEC’s media release here.

Read the Smart Cities Plan here.