Local government co-ordination: metropolitan governance in twenty-first century Australia

Abstract

AHURIAHURI is a national independent research network with an expert not-for-profit research management company, AHURI Limited, at its centre. AHURI's mission is to deliver high quality research that influences policy development and practice change to improve the housing and urban environments of all Australians.Using high quality, independent evidence and through active, managed engagement, AHURI works to inform the policies and practices of governments and the housing and urban development industries, and stimulate debate in the broader Australian community.AHURI undertakes evidence-based policy development on a range of priority policy topics that are of interest to our audience groups, including housing and labour markets, urban growth and renewal, planning and infrastructure development, housing supply and affordability, homelessness, economic productivity, and social cohesion and wellbeing. AHURI Limited also gratefully acknowledges the contributions, both financial and in-kind, of its university research partners who have helped make the completion of this material possible. DisclaimerThe opinions in this report reflect the views of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of AHURI Limited, its Board, its funding organisations or Inquiry panel members. No responsibility is accepted by AHURI Limited, its Board or funders for the accuracy or omission of any statement, opinion, advice or information in this publication. AHURI journalAHURI Final Report journal series is a refereed series presenting the results of original research to a diverse readership of policy-makers, researchers and practitioners. Peer review statementAn objective assessment of reports published in the AHURI journal series by carefully selected experts in the field ensures that material published is of the highest quality. The AHURI journal series employs a double-blind peer review of the full report, where anonymity is strictly observed between authors and referees.

The population change, migration patterns and economic dynamics of Australia’s regional urban centres

“…These examples indicate progress towards metropolitan planning over an expanded spatial frame and, in the case of Sydney, an awareness of the issues and advantages. However, there is a need for coordinated approaches to a range of spatial, infrastructural, social and environmental issues at scales between local and state governments (Butt, Kroen et al 2021).…”

Prefigurative legality: Transforming municipal jurisdiction

“…Many matters that are controlled by councils in other countries are controlled by states in Australia, including housing, transport, education and police -there is a common refrain that councils manage little more than 'roads, rates and rubbish' (Butt et al, 2021). Even jurisdiction over roads is curtailed, as demonstrated when the City installed a rainbow crossing for Mardi Gras in 2013.…”