Urban Week 2026 to spotlight the future of Australia’s cities

Urban Week is a shared initiative of the Australian Institute of Architects, Australian Institute of Landscape Architects, Australian Sustainable Built Environment Council, Committee for Capital Cities, Council of Capital City Lord Mayors, National Shelter, Planning Institute of Australia and Property Council of Australia. 

By bringing together organisations that influence how Australia's cities are planned, designed and delivered, Urban Week aims to create a stronger, more coordinated voice for urban policy and place-based solutions. 

Held from 26-30 October, Urban Week 2026 will culminate in a special World Cities Day public lecture exploring how Australia can build more resilient, prosperous and liveable communities for future generations.  

For Committee for Melbourne, Urban Week represents an important opportunity to champion the role of cities as engines of economic growth, innovation and opportunity. 

World Cities Day address: Resilience by design 

A highlight of Urban Week will be the World Cities Day public lecture, Resilience by Design: A Vision for Urban Australia, to be delivered by renowned urban planning expert Honorary Professor Barbara Norman. 

Hosted by the Australian National University's Australian Studies Institute and moderated by Institute Director Mark Kenny, the lecture will examine the forces shaping Australia's cities, from housing, infrastructure and economic development to climate resilience and urban governance. 

The event will also feature a panel discussion with leading urban experts and representatives from peak bodies across the sector.  

Register now 

A national conversation about better cities 

During Urban Week, participating organisations will launch a joint advocacy platform outlining practical priorities for the Australian Government to help implement the National Urban Policy and unlock the potential of Australia's cities and regions. 

The campaign recognises that housing cannot be considered in isolation. Where homes are built, how they connect to jobs and services, the infrastructure that supports growing communities, and the resilience of our cities to future challenges are all deeply interconnected. These are the issues that will shape Australia's liveability and competitiveness for decades to come. 

The conversation aligns closely with the Committee for Capital Cities' ongoing calls for a coordinated national approach to urban development, arguing that “density done well” should become the organising principle for Australia’s urban policy. 

Click here to access the report