AILA Media Release
Significant infrastructure investment but more funding needed for climate resilience and preparedness
The Australian Institute of Landscape Architects (AILA) welcomes significant infrastructure funding in this week’s federal budget announcements but calls for urban green infrastructure funding to support climate adaption and mitigation.
AILA President Claire Martin acknowledged the additional $17.9 billion commitment to road, rail and community infrastructure and the $6 billion investment in disaster recovery but flagged the need to increase investment in climate resilience and preparedness through the development of mandated urban green infrastructure targets.
“While there have been some significant announcements in this post-COVID build back better budget there isn’t any mention of urban green infrastructure. We know that greener cities improve the human and ecological health of our cities, towns and regions, safeguard Australia’s unique natural environment and build our disaster and climate resilience.” said AILA President Claire Martin.
“AILA has been calling on the Australian Government to recognise Urban Green Infrastructure (UGI) as an Asset Class, to drive changes in accountancy that will support business case preparation and feasibility processes and help to increase public and private sector investment. We’d like to see the establishment of an investment fund, for the implementation of UGI projects across Australia; that could operate like the Clean Energy Finance Corporation, by leveraging private sector funding to enhance public benefit outcomes through government investment. We’d like to see UGI targets set for all federally funded infrastructure projects to achieve greater economic, social, cultural, and environmental outcomes, essential to the development of climate resilient cities, towns, and regions. Landscape Architects have an important role to play in Australia’s climate preparedness.” said Martin.
AILA CEO Ben Stockwin was pleased to see that “Overall, there is a renewed commitment to regional and priority infrastructure projects across Australia including rail and community infrastructure, as well as support for local councils through the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program. The $1.8 billion City Deal for the Southeast City Queensland will help deliver the 2032 Olympic infrastructure and must ensure a greener legacy that will improve Brisbane’s liveability in the long term. We also support the announcements as part of Future Proofing Australia’s Unique Landscapes, Animals and Plants to include $26.8 million for national parks and funding of $636.4 million over 6 years for an expanded Indigenous Rangers Program.”
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Ben Stockwin on behalf of the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects M 0427 931 148 | [email protected]