1. Aspirations for Australia’s Cities
Developing and using indicator frameworks
Alice Thompson
Director National Urban Policy
Major Cities Unit
ABS Community Indicators July 2009

2. Outline National context Government initiatives
Transforming our cities
Indicator frameworks - key issues
Discussion

3. National context National leadership in urban systems: a policy vacuum
Under-investment in infrastructure nationally
Calls for investment in our cities and improved governance arrangements

4. Government Initiatives
Establishment of:
Building Australia Fund
Infrastructure Australia
Advisory Council
Office of Infrastructure Coordinator
Major Cities Unit

5. Transforming our Cities
Major Cities Unit
Co-located with Infrastructure Australia
Small team of four - leverage
Based in Sydney CBD
Prime Ministers priorities

6. A National Urban Policy
A long-term strategic framework for the sustainable development of our cities
Vision: Through good governance, our cities are productive, liveable and sustainable
Articulate outcomes, responsibilities, strategies and actions of governments, the private sector and the community required to transform our urban systems

7. National Urban Policy - framework
Where are our cities now?
Where are we going?
Where do we want to be?
How do we get there?
How are we going?

8. Themes of a National Urban Policy
Population growth and demographic change
Economy, productivity and innovation
The pattern of urban settlement
Transport and infrastructure
Housing and living affordability
Health and liveability
Climate change, water and environment
Governance

9. Developing an indicator framework
Scope?
Be clear on the purpose – descriptive vs analytical
Limit to indicators that tell us the most
Shared vision?
Universal objectives, local approaches
Link between investment decisions and outcomes?
Awareness and alignment
Clear connection of actions to outcomes in proposals
Monitoring?
Focus on measuring performance of specific strategies and interventions
Regular reporting

10. Discussion