Former South Australian premier Mike Rann has been appointed to the federal government's new Urban Policy Forum, his first new role since quitting state parliament last week.
The forum was announced on Friday with Infrastructure Minister Anthony Albanese describing it as another step towards making Australia's biggest cities and regional centres more productive, sustainable and liveable.
Also included on the forum was former deputy prime minister Brian Howe, Sydney Mayor Clover Moore and Property Council chief executive Peter Verwer.
The Property Council's national policy director Ken Morrison said Australia's declining productivity could not be turned around without addressing urban policy.
"Cities and productivity are indivisible - more than 80 per cent of Australia's gross domestic product is generated in our cities," he said.
"Designing our cities better has a big part to play in Australia's future productivity and prosperity."
Mr Rann said he was pleased to join the forum and promote the concept of integrated design that looked at both the design of buildings and the spaces between them.
"I will also push for more cycle and pedestrian- friendly cities," he said.
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