VIRTUAL: Livable Cities – New York

Abstract

In developing strategic plans for active transport, it is important to ensure objectives are not only relevant for well-established inner suburbs but also work to plan for walking in peri-urban places. Peri-urban areas in Newcastle, Australia, are currently experiencing rapid development, particularly on the western fringe of the LGA (local government area) in the proximity of wetlands and bushland. To shed light on the complexity of the problem of planning for walking in low-density peri-urban places, we brought together a wide range of voices from different disciplines and institutions across the community to consider the challenges and opportunities. A workshop was held with council staff, academics, community members, and members of UNESCO Chair for Intermediate Cities, to facilitate an interdisciplinary approach, allowing for a more open-minded debate. The workshop brought forward a range of discussions and realisations of the interconnectivity between different objectives and areas of work. Questioning how low density has been promoted and established was a key consideration, and what other options were available for development in environmentally sensitive areas. Key topics arise from interdisciplinary and systemic thinking, including the need to create an identity and a sense of place in peri-urban suburbs and understand cultural and socioeconomic diversity. Moreover, it highlighted the importance of reducing the dependency on private transportation by establishing places to walk or cycle, re-linking them with natural systems – corridors and green connectivity. The workshops demonstrate the importance of expanding planning and urban design debates to the community and multiple stakeholders, proving collective and interdisciplinary thinking as a worthwhile exercise.