Faith Macale
New data from the National Growth Areas Alliance (NGAA) shows that one-in-five Australians face inadequate access to doctors, schools, sports facilities and other basic infrastructure.
The research by the National Growth Areas Alliance (NGAA), the peak body representing these outer-metropolitan suburbs, known as Growth Areas, found concerning infrastructure gaps across all capitals.
The said Growth Areas included areas like Melton, Hume, Whittlesea, Wyndham, and more.
When compared to established communities in capital cities, Growth Areas have significantly lower rates of access to healthcare, with only 48 per cent, education with only 21 per cent, as well as important third spaces across arts & culture with only 44 per cent, and sports & leisure facilities with 68 per cent.
NGAA chief executive Bronwen Clark said these infrastructure deficits are affecting Australians’ lives nationwide, and are only set to increase as Growth Areas play a central role in fixing the housing crisis
“Growth Areas are currently home to 5.6 million people who have come to these cities and suburbs on the promise of living the Australian dream of home ownership with room for kids to play in the yard,” he said.
“Without proper access to basic social infrastructure, these families are being set up to fail.”
On Thursday, November 21, NGAA launched a new funding model at Parliament House which included guidance for both major parties in how to commit to meeting the needs of these communities and win their votes in the run up to the federal election.
Hawke MP Sam Rae said where one lives shouldn’t limit their access to quality education, infrastructure, and healthcare.
“The Albanese Labor Government is investing in local jobs and services to address these gaps,” he said.
“We’ve opened two bulk-billed Medicare Urgent Care Clinics in Sunbury and Melton, and people in Hawke have saved over $5.5 million through our Cheaper Medicines Program”
“We’re kickstarting the Western Freeway Upgrade, and the Business Case is due to be released soon”
“We’re also delivering on free TAFE and opening a new University Study Hub here in Melton to ensure our community has access to tertiary education close to home”
“These initiatives show the Labor Government’s commitment to investing in our growth areas, including here in Hawke”
