The impact of the Commonwealth not extending its population planning efforts beyond adjusting immigration rates is being deeply felt across Australia.

A recent Infrastructure Australia audit warned that business-as-usual growth would incur substantial losses in national productivity – from a doubling of congestion costs to $38.8 billion in the next 12 years to a deterioration in employment choices and work-life balance.

More than ever, Australian communities are looking for leadership to shape a future that sustains the creative dynamism and lifestyles of our cities while building on the diverse strengths of our regions.

To do this properly requires a different mindset. It means asking how we want places to function and being aware of how migration, infrastructure investment and service delivery affect them.