This report sets out a strategic framework for creating liveable new communities in Melbourne’s growth areas and aims to ensure that planning, at the Precinct Structure Planning (PSP) stage, contributes in concrete ways to the future liveability of communities. The intention of the framework is to ensure that all possible steps are taken now to ensure that communities of the future are truly liveable. The strategic framework was commissioned by the Victorian Growth Areas Authority (GAA), in partnership with key government and other stakeholders, as part of the Creating Liveable New Communities Project (a full list of project partners has been included as Attachment 1). The framework builds on existing commitments whilst looking toward new solutions.
Improving liveability in growth areas is a central concern for governments at the federal, state and local levels, as well as for the private and community sectors. The challenge is how to meet the demands of Greater Melbourne’s growing population at the same time as sustaining liveability. The strategic framework and accompanying practical tools: an extended bibliography; case studies; and a ‘planning for liveability’ checklist, will enable the Growth Areas Authority, project partners, planners, local councils and developers to develop a common approach.
The strategic framework is informed by extensive research: a review of existing key and international literature, more than ten interviews with project partners, and workshops with local councils and developers. Illustrative quotes from these interviews are offered throughout the paper
and the research participants are listed in Attachment 2.
The report provides a definition of liveability and outlines the particular characteristics of new communities that give rise to unique challenges in creating liveability in the growth areas. The report then sets out the strategic framework including a set of principles underpinning planning for liveable new communities, four liveability goals and priority areas for action within each goal.