SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - The Australian Institute of Landscape Architects (AILA) has expressed its support for the government's prioritisation of measures aimed at making cities more sustainable and liveable, including green infrastructure development, olympic games infrastructure, skilled migration, reducing the gender pay gap, and small business incentives that prioritise energy efficiency.
AILA President Peta-Maree Ashford praised the government's efforts to support the aims of the profession, including the reinstatement of the State of the Cities report. Ms. Ashford emphasised the critical role of landscape architects in responding to climate change and urged the government to engage with AILA in the implementation of these policies.
Key measures outlined in the budget that AILA welcomes include:
- $159.7 million urban Precincts and Partnerships Program in partnership with state and local governments, community organisations, and universities.
- $211.7 million Thriving Suburbs Program to provide investment in community and economic infrastructure to enhance liveability and prosperity in suburban communities.
- $3.4 billion investment over ten years in Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games venue infrastructure.
- Closing the gender pay gap by publishing the gender pay gaps of employers with 100 or more workers from early 2024.
- Providing additional post-study work rights to Temporary Graduate visa holders with select degrees.
- Small business support measures, such as increased tax relief for businesses to improve energy efficiency and the $20,000 instant asset write-off for businesses with a turnover of less than $10 million.
Ms. Ashford also pointed to the recently released Standards Australia handbook on Urban Green Infrastructure as an example of the role AILA and the profession play in synthesising policies, regulations, and research into meaningful action.
"While AILA welcomes these measures, we remain cautious in our response, as we wish to see appropriate engagement from the government with peak bodies such as AILA in the implementation of these policies" Ms. Ashford said.
The government's focus on better cities and liveable suburbs is a move in the right direction, and AILA looks forward to working with the government to ensure that the Landscape Architecture profession is engaged in the implementation of these policies.
For more information, please contact AILA President Peta Maree Ashford or AILA CEO Ben Stockwin.
Contact:
Peta Maree Ashford, AILA President
0439 966 940
[email protected]
Ben Stockwin, AILA CEO
0400 887 022
[email protected]