How can Australia’s fastest growing regions keep up with the pace of change?
That was the big question on the table at the 2025 National Growth Areas Alliance (NGAA) National Congress, held last week and co-hosted by the Cities of Gosnells and Cockburn.
Community leaders from 20 local governments across the country gathered to share ideas, explore solutions and strengthen collaboration in the face of shared challenges.
City of Gosnells Mayor Terresa Lynes, who is also Acting Chair of the NGAA, said the event offered a valuable platform to exchange knowledge and learn from each other’s experiences.
“Rapidly growing communities face many of the same challenges and opportunities,” she said.
“By sharing our experiences and exploring ways to collaborate, we can work towards a more sustainable and liveable future for all our communities.”
Mayor Lynes pointed to key concerns such as large-scale land clearing for new subdivisions, housing developments built far from employment hubs, and the need for greener approaches to waste management. She also stressed the importance of investing in essential infrastructure like roads and swimming pools.
City of Cockburn Mayor Logan K. Howlett JP said growth areas were under enormous pressure to keep up with rising demand.
“We are communities that carry the weight of rapid population expansion, delivering infrastructure, services and liveability at a pace that often outstrips funding and support,” he said.
“Yet we are also places of extraordinary resilience, innovation and potential. NGAA National Congress events such as these are vital as local governments Australia-wide collaborate for the best outcomes for our communities.”
Delegates toured a number of key sites, including the Kwinana Energy Recovery Centre, Australian Marine Complex in Henderson, Mary Carroll Park in Gosnells, the Youth Entertainment Space in Huntingdale and Rottnest Island.
Throughout the Congress, discussions covered topics such as economic growth, workforce development, community design and effective advocacy for the future.
