Planning practice across Australia in the past decade and recent moves by the Federal
Government to better implement Urban Policy, show modern planning is creating healthier places
to live.
The Planning Institute of Australia (PIA) says professional planners are better equipped than ever
before to know what constitutes healthy sustainable communities. PIA was responding to media
reports claiming planning flaws promote obesity.
PIA Chief Executive Officer Kirsty Kelly said today’s planning practice has the health of the
community as a top priority.
“The sort of things that are included in good planning now may not have been considered decades
ago. Indeed we still have spaces that were designed in the past that could well do with some
renewal and revitalisation,” Ms Kelly said.
“Major considerations in planning today include both the health of the community and the
environment and in many cases these things go hand in hand.
“Facilities for cyclists, more open and green space and ‘walkability’ in an area or precinct are right
up there as standard criteria.”
PIA recently collaborated with the National Heart Foundation and the Australian Local
Government Association (ALGA) to produce ‘Healthy Spaces & Places’ (HSP), a national guide to
creating communities that promote healthy living.
The development of HSP was backed by the Australian Government Department of Health and
Ageing. It involved focus groups Australia-wide, stakeholder consultation workshops and a team
of expert reviewers.
“This is an easy to use national guide to designing places for healthier living. It has a training
module attached so planners and allied professionals in local councils can engage with it.
“It has been shown in many studies that if we create attractive and inviting areas with facilities and
services accessed easily, people will love being there.
“Decades ago suburbs were allowed to spring up on the outskirts of a city or town without any
transport infrastructure, shopping facilities or other services.
“This meant the only way to go to work, go shopping or do anything was to get in the car and
travel some distance.
“This not only cut out the opportunity to actually walk somewhere but one study at Griffith
University in Queensland showed it also increased financial stress with families spending more on
petrol. This was made worse with petrol costs rising.
“Planning today aims for spaces and streets that are aesthetically pleasing and safe with
adequate lighting at night and shops, restaurants and offices accessed easily by pedestrians.
“People are more inclined to walk to their destination if the proper layout is provided. Good street
connectivity, mixed density and land use are all associated with activity such as walking or cycling.
“Today’s planning not only creates and promotes healthier communities it also looks at how crime
and other socials issues can be addressed through good design.
“This is not to ignore the need for continued major infrastructure in our rapidly growing cities but to
understand human needs in areas where people gather to work rest and play.”
Solutions to better planning in the 21st century can be found at www.healthyplaces.org.au
Planning Institute Australia
