Suchergebnisse

This report considers current best practice in sustainable urban planning and measures Australian planning trends and governance frameworks against that standard. Best practice in sustainable urban planning Planning authorities should make the environmental footprint of proposed urban development and redevelopment a primary consideration. The environmental footprint of any given development should - as far as practicable - be minimised so as to approach or achieve a zero net affect on the local, regional and global natural environment; Urban design should seek to minimise carbon emissions and the use of non-renewable resources, maximise energy efficiency, and deal with industrial and residential waste in a cyclical fashion. Planning authorities should seek to create a built environment and public infrastructure which not only minimises ecological impact, but maximises social and economic outcomes for the affected jurisdiction. The benchmark model for sustainable urban design is one which combines high-density development and defined urban boundaries with a decentralised pattern of settlements linked with rapid, low-emission public and freight transit. Development should be focused around planned or existing transit routes, and green and/or open space within and around settlements should remain a priority to minimise the travel distance for agricultural goods and recyclable waste. This model maximises social, economic and environmental outcomes. Effective regulatory frameworks for the implementation of the benchmark model include: developing regional sustainability plans to provide a consistent framework for decision making; a system of regional and central government partnerships based on identified planning needs over certain geographic areas and; strong national planning leadership and funding prioritisation. Australian trends and planning frameworks The four largest Australian metropolitan jurisdictions have broadly followed the set sustainability benchmark and models for its implementation, primarily through the adoption of regional metropolitan strategies. However each strategy has some shortcomings in the application of building standards for residential, commercial and industrial development in terms of energy and water efficiency. Also, moving emissions-intensive road freight onto heavy rail appears to generally be a much lower priority than public transport development. The potential for reform Stronger building codes for development and redevelopment and increased focus on freight transport solutions are recommended. Additionally, the new Commonwealth central infrastructure funding body could consider strengthening the sustainability criteria it will apply to funding prioritisation and/or engaging in direct regional partnerships with the States.