Nationally, social service sectors contributed 15% of Australia's GDP in 2020.72 The sectors employed over 3.5 million people - around one-quarter of Australia's workforce.
To support economic growth and resilience, social infrastructure must be planned and delivered in a way that is appropriate to the needs of each community.
In Smaller Cities and Regional Centres, and Fast-growing Cities, governments should be super-charging performance and productivity by co-locating major infrastructure such as hospitals, universities, research and industry in precincts or innovation districts.
When designed, planned and developed in the right locations, precincts strengthen innovation and collaboration, boost wages and productivity and anchor employment, creating a multiplier effect on the local and national economy.
In Smaller Cities and Regional Centres, social infrastructure investment must plan ahead for, and respond to, population changes and infrastructure priorities.
It is vital governments assess and plan for the critical mass of social infrastructure Australia needs to attract people to live and thrive in communities and stay there.
Schools, health care facilities, cultural amenities and social and affordable rental housing all contribute to thriving communities.
" It is vital governments assess and plan for the critical mass of social infrastructure Australia needs to attract people to live and thrive in communities and stay there. "
There are opportunities to share resources and facilities between governments and communities to reduce costs and improve access for users.
For more insights into all these topics, see Reform 8.2: Partnerships build communities.