IN-PERSON: Livable Cities – New York

Abstract

Melbourne, Australia has been voted the world’s most liveable city by the Global Liveability Index 8 times in the past 12 years. Even in 2021 and 2022, suffering two years of the world’s strictest and longest Covid-19 lockdowns, it is still ranked in the top 10. But what is it that repeatedly makes Melbourne one of the world’s most liveable cities and what lessons can we learn from this? There are many factors including Investment in fixed rail, both tram and train in the post gold rush era when Melbourne was the richest city in the world, a strong focus on protecting amenity in the public realm, including controls restricting overshadowing of public parks, an emphasis on transit orientated development and walkable neighbourhoods as well as a planning system designed to promote flexibility, diversity and innovation. However, there are also challenges which arise from the popularity of this city, which accounts for 20% of the Australian population? Housing affordability, an expanding footprint and the need to respond to climate change, including wildfire risk and flooding. The State Planning System is currently undergoing major reform to address a number of these issues and keep improving the liveability, accessibility and equity of the City. Join Colleen as she explores the opportunities and challenges facing one of the world’s most liveable cities in the post covid world. These opportunities and lessons have much relevance to the international experience.