Case Study: International Experiences and Implications for Australia

As humans we try new things, learn what works and what doesn’t and develop. Our human intellect gives us the capacity to reason and learn from the mistakes of history so we don’t habitually make the same mistakes into the future. Conversely our also allows us to predict and recognise what works so that we may further explore what we believe will deliver the best outcomes. It is that that this blogger believes the topic ‘International Experiences and Implications for Australia’ is imperative for buddying young planners such as those currently studying UC as well as experienced planners- you can never stop learning right?  

Some Lessons from Europe:

- Densification, Sustainability and sound public transport uptake work simultaneously.

- Mixed used development: sustainable for local business as residents. Invigorates communities.

- Rapid development: without supporting road and public infrastructure will lead to congestion issues.

- Public Bike Rental Schemes- work well in cities with 1) Rideable spaces, 2) Multiple pick up/drop off points and 3) Supporting population.

Density: Paris Apartments that contribute to public transport efficacy, uptake and viability.

Some lessons from Phnom-Penh:

- Lax transport legislation and enforcement will lead to chaos.

- High value in traffic flow modelling and redirection.  

Phnom-Penh: Unruly Traffic divides street.

Pictures Obtained from:

http://hailtothechic.wordpress.com/2010/03/22/cheap-chic-or-how-to-eat-paris-for-under-e150/
http://blog.travelpod.com/travel-photo/mcmactravels/1/1254935277/traffic-in-phnom-penh-1.jpg/tpod.html

Planning For Sustainability: Molongo Stage 2 Planning

Planning and Sustainability are intrinsic and should be rarely if ever (especially in the developed societies) be mutually exclusive. 'Infrastructure and Planning for Molonglo Development: Stage 2' is especially interesting in terms of its sustainability provisions given that the site is relatively underdeveloped and has pertinent environmental value. Canberra's population is expanding and such the cities urban planning is required to anticipate and make provision this as outlined under The Canberra Spatial Plan. Molonglo Valley was identified as an acceptable urban capable development site given its physical characteristics and relative proximity to existing facilities and services- making it an opportunity for sustainable development.

 Molonglo Valley is a large development site encompassing a population of 18,000 and ACTPLA employed the consultation company AECOM to conduct its environmental investigations under which the following environmental components where researched and effects considered: species impacts on Pink Tailed Worm, Raptors, Parrots and Boz-gum Woodand, River Corridor studies of the Molonglo River, stormwater and environmental flows, Light Emissions impact in regards to Stromlo Observatory, Heritage Values, contamination issues particularly on soils and contamination translocation potential through the study site and development needs of the area (housing, commercial and community facilities). 

Molonglo Development Area

What Kind of Plans?

NCP produced by the Federal Government

Canberra Plan produced by ACT Government

The overall outcome expected of the planning process may possibly be the most ideal solution that stand the test of time and reasonably changing conditions. That is to say potential positive power of the urban planning field and profession exist far beyond the realm of planning documents given its changeable impacts on daily lives of people within a given community, region or city. However the way planners go about creating better places through change is fundamentally summarised and subsequently based upon planning documents.  Unfortunately the planning process is highly complicated and when a sight a final planning document it’s important to remember that it’s often one of many final planning documents that influence a given space and have different applications- a local example would be the simultaneous National Capital Plan and the Canberra Plan- a situation arising from Canberra unique co-existing national and territory planning jurisdictions.