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Championing Better Places for All Australians
On Wednesday 5 November, AILA President Heath Gledhill joined leaders from the Australian Institute of Architects and the Planning Institute of Australia at Parliament House to launch the Parliamentary Friends of Urban Design — a cross-party group committed to championing good design in Australia’s cities and towns.
The event brought together parliamentarians, planners, designers, and industry advocates to discuss how urban design shapes how Australians live, move, and connect. Heath Gledhill highlighted the role of landscape architects in creating climate-resilient, biodiverse, and vibrant public spaces. “Urban design is the connective tissue that makes cities work,” he said.
Co-chaired by Lisa Chesters MP, Cameron Caldwell MP, and Elizabeth Watson-Brown MP, the group provides a platform to promote quality urban development, moving the conversation from how much we build to how well we build. Key priorities outlined include:
A coordinated National Urban Policy for all communities.
Leadership in density done well, supported by design and landscape-led thinking.
Investment in sustainable, climate-ready communities.
The launch marked the start of stronger collaboration between government and industry to create places that support local economies, wellbeing, and community connection. Guests also contributed to the “A Place Worth Loving” map, highlighting areas where great design can make a difference.
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