Urban Development
Institute of Australia (Victoria)
Backs Growth Area
Councils on Federal Funding
The Urban Development
Institute of Australia (Victoria) has backed calls by the local councils in the
growth areas for the Federal Government to provide $100 million in low cost loans
and grants as a priority in the May Federal Budget.
Tony De Domenico, Executive Director of
the UDIA (VIC) said, "With low interest rates and the chance to lock in funding,
it is a perfect time for the Federal Government to support the Victorian growth
area councils as part of the Government's job creation strategy ".
"Whilst the
development industry contributes to infrastructure, the extra loan funds for councils
would provide added flexibility for councils to bring facilities forward, helping
to stimulate the housing market and create more employment and investment".
"The implementation
of a low cost loan program for Victorian Growth Area Councils by the Federal Government
is a unique opportunity to implement a program, which will have no impact on its
triple AAA rating, but will create instant economic activity."
Mr De Domenico said funding for growth
area councils will be a hotly debated issue at the UDIA National Congress titled
Population Vision For A
Nation which is to be held on March 5th to March 7th in Melbourne,
with delegates visiting growth area councils in Melbourne.
"The Conference will look at Australia's
capacity to cope with increased population, the demands it places on infrastructure
and the current issues of funding."
The Conference will be opened by Victorian
Planning Minister Matthew Guy. Speakers at the Conference will include the
former Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd; Senator Kate Lundy, Federal Minister
for Sport and Minister for Multicultural Affairs; Federal Shadow
Minister for the Environment, Greg Hunt; Bill Kelty, former ACTU Secretary and
Daniel Grollo, CEO Grocon.
Media Enquiries:
Ron Smith, Corporate
Media Communications, UDIA (VIC) - Mobile: 0417 329 201
