A staggering one in five Australians residing in outer-metropolitan suburbs lacks adequate access to essential services such as schools, healthcare, and basic infrastructure, according to a new report from the National Growth Areas Alliance (NGAA).
The study highlights that as the population in these urban growth areas expands from 5.6 million to a projected 7 million by 2031, the available social infrastructure is failing to keep pace. These suburbs are expected to account for 59% of population growth in state capital cities, yet significant infrastructure gaps remain.
Compared to established communities, residents in these areas experience 48% lower access to healthcare and 21% lower access to education. They also enjoy 44% less access to cultural amenities and 68% less access to sports and leisure facilities.
“Growth Areas are home to 5.6 million people who came here for the promise of the Australian dream,” said NGAA CEO Bronwen Clark. “Without proper access to social infrastructure, these families are being set up to fail.”
State governments have pledged to build 250,500 homes in outer suburbs over the next five years, increasing to 501,000 by 2034. However, the NGAA warns that improving amenities must not be overlooked in the rush to address housing shortages.
A state-by-state analysis reveals that Victoria faces the most significant deficits, with a 53.3% gap in healthcare access and a 75.7% gap for sports and leisure facilities. Queensland and New South Wales also show considerable disparities in access to essential services.
“People need more than just roofs and walls,” stressed NGAA Interim Chair Terresa Lynes. “They need access to schools, healthcare, employment opportunities, roads, and community spaces.”
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