On 18 May 2011, the Minister for Infrastructure and Transport released Our Cities, Our Future - A National Urban Policy for a productive, sustainable and liveable future.

Our Cities, Our Future sets in place the Australian Government's objectives and directions for our cities as we prepare for the decades ahead. It recognises the critical roles that State, Territory and Local Governments, the private sector and individuals play in planning, managing and investing in cities. It also highlights that the Australian Government makes decisions that impact upon urban Australia. This is the first time that an Australian Government has sought to outline its overarching goals for the nation's cities and how we will play a role in making them more productive, sustainable and liveable.
The National Urban Policy clearly identifies that active travel and public transport are key factors in improving the productivity, sustainability and liveability of our cities. The National Urban Policy articulates the Commonwealth Government’s overarching commitment to active travel (walking and cycling) and public transport in our major cities.