Cities & Urban Development
As we grapple with the challenges of climate change, an
ageing and growing population, congestion, urban sprawl and unaffordable
housing it is important we do not simply maintain the status-quo. To meet these challenges, financial and
non-financial investment in our cities must be prioritised, planned and aligned
with broader state and national policy settings.
Much has been said about Australia’s urban policy landscape
in recent years. There is a wide and deep body of research, debate and policy
across industries, sectors and governments. In itself this is a testament to
increasing recognition of the capacity for Australia’s cities to influence so
many of those indicators by which we measure our quality of life: our happiness,
heath, prosperity, connectedness and security.
Consult Australia has been active in contributing to this
debate in recent years, seeking to advance our understanding of the vital role
cities play in supporting the achievement of a range public policy goals. It is important to consider practical next
steps for governments, industry and the community to achieve better urban
environments. Priorities need to be set,
and a plan for action which will realise a positive future for our cities must
take priority.
Thought leadership -cities and urban development
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Consult Australia has launched its new policy report, Tomorrow's Cities Today, which puts the spotlight firmly back on the major cities that drive our nation, calling for ambitious reform and providing a series of practical recommendations that would position cities-planning as a national priority.
Launched in Sydney, by a panel of guests including Lucy Hughes Turnbull AO, City of Sydney Chief Executive Monica Barone and Major Cities Unit Executive Director Dorte Ekelund, the launch of Tomorrow's Cities Today has started up an important conversation focusing on the future of Australian cities.
Tomorrow's Cities Today makes practical recommendations under the themes set through the National Urban Policy:
- productivity;
- sustainability;
- liveability; and
- good governance.
Download the reports comprising Tomorrow's Cities Today:
Tomorrow's Cities Today report | Download
Tomorrow's Cities Today short form | Download
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In October 2009 Consult Australia's Infrastructure Roundtable launched Sydney Towards Tomorrow.
Sydney Towards Tomorrow was written by Consult Australia's Infrastructure Roundtable following discussions with Infrastructure Australia’s Infrastructure Coordinator, Michael Deegan. The report identifies and recommends the policy, planning and regulatory reforms required to help protect Sydney's future growth and prosperity. Its strategic focus is on urban planning integration and transport infrastructure rather than providing a list of infrastructure priorities for Sydney.
Sydney Towards Tomorrow is intended to complement other plans such as the NSW Government’s Metropolitan Strategy (2005), City of Sydney’s Sustainable 2030 Plan (2008), Metropolitan Water Plan (2005), and a number of local government plans.
Sydney Towards Tomorrow identifies six key areas of priority that will help to address Sydney’s future infrastructure requirements. It advises and recommends the policy, planning and regulatory reforms required to help protect Sydney’s future growth and prosperity. Its strategic focus is on urban planning integration and transport infrastructure rather than providing a list of infrastructure priorities for Sydney.
The themes targeted in Sydney Towards Tomorrow include:
- Sustainability;
- Planning;
- Attractive densities and land use mixes;
- Funding;
- Social issues; and
- Governance.
These themes are highly interrelated and should be approached in an integrated matter.
Consult Australia Submissions Supporting Cities & Urban
Development
Productivity Commission Inquiry into Barriers to Effective Climate Change Adaptation Submission – January 2012
National Sustainable Population Strategy - March 2011
National Urban Policy – March 2011
Building South Australia – February 2011
NSW Metropolitan Strategy Review – April 2010
National Urban Design Protocol: Creating Places for People
Creating Places for People is a collaborative
commitment to best practice urban design in Australia. The protocol is the
result of two years of collaboration between peak community and industry
organisations, States, Territories, Local Governments, and the Australian
Government.
Consult Australia has adopted the principles of Creating
Spaces for People and is proud to be a Champion for this protocol.
Click here to download the Protocol
Click here to go to the Creating
Places for People website
Click here for the Urban Design Protocol
Champions
Green Star Communities Partner
Consult Australia is pleased to be a Green Star Communities Project Partner. As a project supporter, Consult Australia has committed to embracing the five national Green Star Communities Principles in our projects, policies and plans.
Click here to learn more about Green Star Communities
Click here to learn more about the Green Star Communities Project Partners