Building better regional cities Glenn Inglis, general manager of Tamworth Regional Council
I think we’re in the box seat to have a go at getting this federal government funding and I will be recommending the council consider an immediate start on an applicationWe’ve just seen statistics that show Tamworth has in 2009 had the second highest growth rate in inland NSW with 1.9%.  We’re one of the seven Evocities that are actively chasing a population shift to the regions. We’ve had a big increase in registered businesses, and the value of our construction activity increased by 28%.

Caryn Kakas, executive director of the Residential Development Council
Housing affordability is not an issue that is restricted to capital cities. There is no doubt that regional areas have been unable to develop to their potential due to the lack of affordable housing, delivery of linking infrastructure and employment opportunities.

Peter Verwer, chief executive of Property Council of Australia
We need long-term strategic planning that secures the strong economic growth that will fund sustainable communities that are greener, more vibrant and liveable. That means moving to better urban planning frameworks, and introducing a national urban planning policy that allows our cities to successfully deliver housing and key infrastructure for our growing population. All parties should be focused on stemming the tide of inefficiencies overtaking our cities, through increased investment in long-term planning and renewed commitment to the delivery of infrastructure.