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
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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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Victoria’s success in the design and management of built environment projects, together with the strength of education institutions and the proven capability and capacity of the consultants designing and delivering Victoria's infrastructure, should be exploited for the benefit of all Victorians.
Download the position paper: Promoting Excellence in the Built Environment
Promoting Excellence in the Built Environment position paper |
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.
Our campaign for better planning and governance reform across Sydney has included a Central Coast community forum debating local government reform and our ongoing call to action for leadership supporting better planning across Sydney.
Consult Australia Cities & Urban Development Submissions
A New Deal for Urban Australia
A New Deal for Urban Australia was released in May 2013 by the Urban Coalition.
A New Deal advocates a fresh approach to secure infrastructure investment across Australia, outlining in detail a plan for a new Urban Infrastructure Fund leveraging government seed funds to create a new asset class for private investment in infrastructure projects to help meet the infrastructure backlog. The fund would be supported by a stronger role for Infrastructure Australia and a renewed focus on urban infrastructure projects by the Federal Government.
The Urban Coalition is comprised of:
- Association of Building Sustainability Assessors (ASBA);
- ASBEC;
- Australian Conservation Foundation;
- Australian Institute of Architects;
- Consult Australia;
- Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA);
- National Growth Areas Alliance (NGAA);
- Planning Institute of Australia (PIA);
- Property Council of Australia; and
- Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA)
Click here to download A New Deal for Urban Australia.
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