UDIA National Conference

Next week Melbourne will become the centre of Australia's population debate with political heavyweights from both sides of politics taking part in 'Population Vision For A Nation', the national congress of Australia's peak development organisation, the Urban Development Institute of Australia.

  

Tony De Domenico Executive Director UDIA (VIC)

Former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd will deliver a keynote address titled Population Growth for a Stronger Economy at the National Congress, which will be officially opened by Victorian Planning Minister, The Hon. Matthew Guy on Tuesday morning at Crown in Melbourne.

Tony De Domenico, Executive Director, UDIA (VIC) said, "The National Congress will provide a major platform to explore the potential policies being put forward by major parties as Australia heads to one of its most important Federal elections of modern times."

Speakers also include the Hon Kate Lundy, Federal Minister for Multicultural Affairs; Scott Morrison, Shadow Minister for Productivity and Population; Greg Hunt, Shadow Minister for Climate Action, Environment and Heritage; Daniel Grollo, CEO of Grocon and Bill Kelty AC, former Secretary ACTU.

Mr De Domenico said, "It is vital that major political parties recognized the major part the property industry plays in the economy, and outlined some new policies to stimulate the new housing building market to create jobs and demand for Australian products."

"Australia is facing a battle on three fronts to provide for the forecast expansion of its population by 2050 to 35.9 million*. There is a massive backlog of infrastructure which is leaving capital cities in gridlock. The cost of the great Australian dream has moved beyond an increasing number of people."

Julie Katz, National President of the UDIA will release the National Land Report on Tuesday at the official opening of the National Congress said, "The growing gap between land supply and demand throughout Australia is one of the major themes of the Congress which provides a focus on why fixing Australia's housing problems must be a major element of all Federal political party's economic and social policies."

Source: * Treasury modelling contained in the third Intergenerational Report forecast a population of 35.9 million by 2050.

Media Enquiries:
Ron Smith, Media Communications, UDIA National Congress - Mobile: 0417 329 201