Aligning the priorities for future neighbourhood planning and infrastructure investments between all these levels of government is critical. This is what will drive the successful development of appropriate infrastructure. The 20-minute neighbourhood complements a 30-minute city focus for major services, education and employment.
Some jurisdictions have already responded to the challenge by providing targeted neighbourhood infrastructure project funding. They are investing in small-scale projects such as improving walkability and enhancing local activity centres and public spaces.
Other Jurisdictions are using infrastructure to drive neighbourhood outcomes at a much larger scale.
In Sydney, for example, the North West Metro should result in significant urban renewal and development around new underground rail stations.
However, funding needs for projects between $1 million and $20 million often fall between two levels of government. They are unaffordable for local government and administratively difficult or expensive to coordinate for state and territory government agencies.
To overcome this obstacle so neighbourhood infrastructure projects can be deployed, there is a clear need to develop new funding models for these programs, which are essential for improving local amenity and liveability.