Dense, mixed-use, walkable urban precinct to support sustainable transport or vice versa? A model for consideration from Perth, Western Australia

Within the majority of the literature on sustainable transport, it is accepted as ideal to arrange new urban growth in close proximity to major public transit services. While the literature on this subject of transit-oriented developments (TOD) is positive and optimistic, for the most part such assertions are conjectural. This article will attempt to fill this gap by revealing a modeling process undertaken for a local area's reurbanization project to understand the potential and limitations of several modes of transport to support the increased activity density in the precincts. Several of the most standardized policy levers were employed, such as parking ratios and mix of use and building height, and contrasted with the trip generation and transit mode's hourly capacity to reveal potential real-estate yields. The outcomes indicate not only the immediate yields but also the capacity for urban transformation due to each level of sustainable transport investments. The model is unique in that the capacity, parking ratios, and assumptions are highly transparent

Assessing the effectiveness of local government planning scheme controls in protecting native vegetation in the Port Phillip & Western Port region

The study funded by the Port Phillip and Westernport Catchment Management Authority (PPWCMA) aimed to: 1 Identify the main reasons for native vegetation removal in the PPWCMA region; 2 assess the effectiveness of the planning scheme controls across the region in respect to vegetation protection; 3 assess the capacity of local governments to apply and better manage native vegetation controls; 4 examine and identify how planning scheme provisions are addressing the issue of the removal of native vegetation; 5 assess the relevance and robustness of these planning scheme provisions and controls when effectively applied; 6 develop a set of draft recommendations and proposals to implement the project findings The research team mapped and analysed the extent and quality of native vegetation across the region; conducted case studies of planning permit applications and other planning matters related to native vegetation management at five local governments; compiled an inventory of planning provisions relevant to native vegetation protection in local government planning schemes; and analysed relevant decisions subject to review at the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT). The study concluded that extensive loss of native vegetation had occurred and that a systematic implementation of the recommendations of this report would assist in the effective achievement of the goals and stated outcomes of state polic

Planned retreat as a management response to coastal risk: A case study from the Fleurieu Peninsula, South Australia

Australian coastal areas have been identified as highly vulnerable to climate change, with major projected impacts including sea level rise, extreme weather events, increased erosion, and a change in coastal processes and wave patterns. Such impacts would cause coastal settlements and ecosystems to face increasingly uncertain conditions. In response to increased risk, effective coastal management at local and regional scales is needed, with governing bodies providing significant leadership. This research explores the challenges of applying effective adaptation responses to projected climate change in vulnerable coastal systems on the South Coast of the Fleurieu Peninsula, South Australia. In particular, the option of planned retreat as a management response to coastal risk is critically examined, with the incorporation of learning from Byron Bay, NSW. A mixed methods approach was undertaken by integrating documentary interrogation with the analysis of interview responses from key coastal managers. It was determined that despite the increase in adaptation planning and development of management strategy options to manage sea level rise on the Fleurieu Peninsula, there is a lack of implementation of adaptation responses. In addition, planning seems to focus largely on the implications of sea level rise on infrastructure, often overlooking other risks and possible ecological impacts. Inconsistencies in governance are reflected at all levels, indicating a need for comprehensive improvements to ensure the incorporation of appropriate risk responses into planning decisions. © 2012 Springer-Verlag.Rhiannon J. Niven, Douglas K. Bardsle