With the release of the federal government’s newest Urban Policy Forum the green building community will feel a new found sense of confidence in the future plans for urban development in Australia. Planning for a sustainable urban community has come as a priority in the new policy, which has been influenced by a wide range of experts across different industry sectors including Chief Executive of the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) Romily Madew.
Upon his latest announcement, Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Anthony Albanese has assured the future planning processes will come as a culminated effort between the green building sector, government and the community in what has been labeled as an ‘ideas generator’.
The news of the policy’s green agenda has come as a reassurance for the GBCA, who as this country’s highest green building authority, have noted the importance of government support in the sustainable building sector.
“Cities are the bedrock of our nation’s productivity, and are home to around 80 per cent of our population. How we plan, design, build and manage our cities will shape the future prosperity, opportunities, health and wellbeing of future generations of Australians” says GBCA Chief Executive Madew.
It is apparent that the federal government is pushing for more green building involvement and has created a policy that holds this specific industry sector in the highest regard. The fact that the GBCA has been involved in the creation of the policy is a clear indication of the federal government’s commitment to creating long term, sustainable cities that offer the high living standards that this country boasts.
“The Green Building Council of Australia is pleased to be involved in the Urban Policy Forum and commends the Australian Government for its ongoing commitment to urban design,” says Madew, ‘We have long advocated a consistent, coordinated approach to urban design and planning, and see the establishment of the Urban Policy Forum as another vital step towards truly productive, sustainable and liveable cities”.
The new policy, in conjunction with the implementation the carbon tax, promises to offer 2012 as Australia’s greenest year yet.
