... and our urban centres

National Urban Policy

Long‑term strategic planning of Australia's capital cities and investment in urban infrastructure is critical to boost the productive capacity and living standards in our capital cities.

To assist this, the Government is currently funding projects in every capital city, including the duplication of the F5 in Sydney, and the Regional Rail Link and Western Ring Road in Melbourne. In total, we are investing over $13 billion in our cities.

Under the National Urban Policy, the Government will build on these investments with new initiatives focusing on the sustainability of our outer suburbs.

Investing in suburban areas

The Government will invest $100 million in a new Suburban Jobs program to promote local jobs closer to residential areas. This program will provide infrastructure support in the outer suburbs to attract employers to areas with the highest travel times, like Liverpool in Sydney and Dandenong in Melbourne.

Reducing congestion

The Government will invest $61 million in the development of National Smart Managed Motorways to reduce congestion and workers' travel times.

Examples of projects include variable speed limits on the Gateway Motorway in Queensland and upgrading the intelligent

transport system on the Victorian M1 West Gate Freeway.

All projects will be jointly funded with the relevant state government.

Urban renewal

The $20 million Urban Renewal Fund will help improve the planning and design of urban areas to promote productive, sustainable and liveable communities.

COAG's reform process

The Prime Minister will also begin a rigorous COAG process that asks state premiers to lead the development of Commonwealth‑State reforms that address sustainability issues of relevance to their jurisdictions.