Urban development
We need a comprehensive vision for sustainable urban development in Victoria, one which promotes and facilitates sustainable practices in building design and construction, transport, town planning, distributed electricity generation and localised waste and water management.
We can work within existing city limits to house a growing population in and near existing activity centres, developing sustainable precincts linked by low or zero emissions transport and utilising existing infrastructure and linkages, but this will require a more consultative and effective planning regime.
Sustainable cities arise by design. We need a comprehensive vision for sustainable urban development in Victoria, one which promotes and facilitates sustainable practices in building design and construction, transport, town planning, distributed electricity generation and localised waste and water management.
Sustainable cities can create happier, healthier and more cohesive communities.
We can work within existing city limits to house a growing population in and near existing activity centres, developing sustainable precincts linked by low or zero emissions transport and utilizing existing infrastructure and linkages, but this will require a more consultative and effective planning regime that properly balances amenity issues with the need for higher density in some areas.
We recognise that sustainability requires changes in the way people interact with their environment, and the Government must join with community organisations to properly engage with communities on an ongoing basis, by consulting on sustainable development and providing practical and accessible information about the benefits that can be had through creating a more sustainable urban environment.
Policy opportunities
- Focus on sustainable urban infill, not outward expansion, including a moratorium on the expansion of the Melbourne Urban Growth Boundary.
- Prioritise investment in public transport, cycling and walking infrastructure rather than expanding road networks.
- Review laws relating to property, planning, construction and owners corporations to create a more efficient system that promotes and facilitates sustainable development, including mandatory sustainability design assessment in the planning process.
- Provide support for local level sustainable developments, including through assistance in the planning process and targeted assistance for demonstration projects.
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MEFL's Urban Development Coordinator Peter Steele explains why sustainable cities are so important and how they can be designed.
