The COVID-19 pandemic exposed vulnerabilities in the social infrastructure sector and highlighted the need to strengthen it, not only to support recovery but to deliver essential services to all Australians.
The major pandemic impacts and trends included:
• Expanded critical health facilities: Vast amounts of specialised medical equipment and supporting infrastructure were needed. Intensive Care Unit (ICU) capacity was made seven times bigger and the number of invasive ventilators more than doubled.6 Meeting these needs highlighted the value of having adaptable facilities that can quickly respond to vital community needs.
• Additional pressure on social and affordable rental housing: The economic downturn strained a system that was already severely restricted. It highlighted the shortage of fit-for- purpose dwellings, particularly in Victoria and New South Wales.7
• The move to online services: Many social infrastructure sectors leveraged digital technology. Education quickly turned to online learning for schools, vocational education and universities. There was an accelerated uptake of telehealth (remote consultation between a patient and a medical professional, using audio or video technology) so patients could access health care. Art and cultural offerings, including community engagement and creative development, shifted to online digital experiences. These changes highlighted the limitations of Australia's digital networks and inequitable digital access.
• Greater use of community spaces: Local neighbourhoods and public spaces, particularly open green and blue spaces such as parks and waterways, became vitally important for community recreation and maintaining mental health and wellbeing. Governments moved quickly to improve access and support physical activity by reallocating public spaces - for instance, opening up golf courses to other uses and creating 'pop-up' cycle lanes.
As the impact of the pandemic has amplified the call to action in so many areas, it has had a major influence on the recommendations in the 2021 Plan.