Australia is a nation of cities

It's interesting that we have a Federal Minister for Regional Services, but no focus and certainly no budget for co-ordinating the development of vital infrastructure in our major cities.

And yet, both politicians and business have talked about the need for greater international competitiveness for more than a decade. They don't seem to realise that Australia's quickest route to greater global influence is by creating world-class cities.

Not that the Property Council believes federal government should interfere in the running of capital-city government. Nevertheless, federal AND state governments do have important financial responsibilities to cities - especially as that's where most of the taxes are raised.

In short, the hardware solution comes down to allowing capital city governments to develop infrastructure strategies that are properly funded.

Turning to software.

The softer assets of cities are just as important as the hardware. City software involves such things as innovation, strategic direction and learning cultures, all of which require new institutions and organisational strategies if they are to flourish.

People expect modern cities to allow them to make the most of their own talents. None of this works without first-class governance, clear themes and simple organisational processes.

As a first step, that means clearer responsibilities between the major spheres of government. The next step is the creation of exciting city strategies and business plans which are properly funded.

So, Where Are We Headed?

The Property Council believes that a nation, like any well run company, should foster its greatest asset. In the most urbanised nation in the world that means our capital cities and the aspirations they house.

Australia's capital cities are the great marketplaces of the nation. If they are to meet the needs of a changing community they need clear strategies, proper funding and modern infrastructure.

As a recent report by Demos, a leading British think tank, noted: