Identifying the Problem
Australia’s cities are at a crossroads. Rapid urbanisation, coupled with the pressures of climate change, housing affordability, and social inequality, demands a strategic and integrated approach to urban planning. The current urban landscape is marked by disparities in access to essential services, green spaces, and economic opportunities. These issues are exacerbated by inadequate infrastructure and fragmented governance, which hinder the ability to create cohesive and sustainable urban communities.
Proposing Solutions
The National Urban Policy emphasises the importance of a holistic approach to urban development. This involves leveraging the strengths of our cities—such as their cultural diversity, natural endowments, and innovative capacities—while addressing their weaknesses. Key solutions proposed include:
- Integrated Planning and Design: Developing urban areas that are well-connected, accessible, and designed to promote social interaction and community well-being.
- Sustainable Infrastructure: Investing in green infrastructure and renewable energy to reduce carbon footprints and enhance urban resilience.
- Affordable Housing: Implementing policies that ensure a diverse range of housing options to meet the needs of all residents, particularly those from vulnerable communities.
- Inclusive Governance: Fostering collaboration between government, private sector, and community stakeholders to ensure that urban development is inclusive and participatory.
Putting Social Impact at the Heart of Urban Policy
“Understanding the social impact of urban development projects is crucial for creating sustainable cities.
The new National Urban Policy puts social impact at the heart of policy making. We applaud this approach, given the impact of cities on human lives and livelihoods.
Aligned with this recognition, the following approaches are core to our work at Urbis:
- Social Value: At the heart of sustainable urban development is the concept of social value. This involves ‘place based’ approaches to project design and delivery, creating environments that enhance the quality of life for all residents. Social value is achieved through equitable access to resources, opportunities for social interaction, and the promotion of health and well-being.
- Social Planning: Effective social planning is essential for addressing the diverse needs of urban populations. This includes designing public spaces that are safe, accessible, and conducive to community engagement. Social planning also involves ensuring that infrastructure and services are distributed equitably across different neighbourhoods.
- Social Impact: Understanding the social impact of urban development projects is crucial for creating sustainable cities. This involves assessing how projects affect communities, particularly marginalised groups, and implementing measures to mitigate negative impacts. Social impact assessments help ensure that development benefits all residents and contributes to social cohesion.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Successful urban development requires the active participation of all stakeholders. This includes government agencies, private developers, community organisations, rights holders – including First Nations community members, and residents. Stakeholder engagement ensures that diverse perspectives are considered, and that development projects reflect the needs and aspirations of the community. Effective engagement builds trust, fosters collaboration, and enhances the legitimacy of urban planning processes.
What's next?
From a Social Planning perspective, the National Urban Policy provides a strategic framework for addressing the complex challenges facing Australia’s cities. By prioritising social value, social impact, and stakeholder engagement, we can create urban environments that are sustainable, inclusive, and resilient.
As urban planners and social sustainability experts, we are committed to working collaboratively with all stakeholders to build cities that meet the needs of current and future generations.