The Council of Capital City Lord Mayors congratulates the Prime Minister’s appointment of Jamie Briggs as Minister for Cities and the Built Environment.

The appointment sends a clear message that cities matter – and the needs of Cities are firmly on the agenda of the Federal Government, cementing political support across all of major Australia’s political parties for federal engagement and investment in cities. A welcome first in federal politics.

In welcoming the announcement, CCCLM Chair Martin Haese said “we are buoyed by the appointment of a Minister for Cities, and look forward to working with the Federal Government to address the infrastructure gap that our cities face.

“Our cities are facing enormous challenges in managing population growth and the associated demands for transport and other infrastructure – whilst continuing to provide sustainable environments to maintain productive and liveable cities.

“It is in our cities where people live and are employed, with 60% of Australia’s population living in the cities Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney, Perth and Adelaide. Our cities are where the contribution to the National economy is greatest, cities are the drivers of the national economy, generating the majority of Australia’s GDP.

“This appointment signals that cities are to be given the attention they need. We look forward to working alongside Federal and State governments to develop the appropriate planning and investment mechanisms that provide the right decisions to enable the delivery of thriving future cities” he said.

The CCCLM acknowledges the continued and welcomed support of cities by the Opposition, through the Shadow Minister for Cities, Anthony Albanese, and the work of Greens’ Senator Scott Ludlam.