A rollout of funding from the Federal Government’s $20 million Liveable Cities program has
been applauded by the planning industry.

The Planning Institute of Australia (PIA) says the announcement of funding for seventeen
different projects across Australia is a welcome start to a program aimed at creating better
communities.

PIA President Dyan Currie described the Federal backing of the various planning projects as
excellent, and is calling on the Government to make such programs ongoing.

“The real value of good planning will be evident if these projects are not just funded but
evaluated in the medium and long term as well,” Ms Currie said.

“If projects are correctly assessed for how well they achieve desired outcomes on a number of
levels, both the community and the Government will be able to make clear judgements.

“Funding for programs that give us healthy places and spaces, more resilient communities
and more efficient and effective movement of people and goods should be an ongoing
investment.”

In a series of announcements from the Department of Infrastructure and Transport in recent
days, the Federal Government is backing planning projects around Australia with funding
ranging from $30,000 to $500,000.

Among the contributions is $400,000 towards a redevelopment blueprint for Melbourne’s
Southbank, $320,000 towards a transport project in Launceston, $500,000 to the ACT
Government for a major planning project for the city’s CBD and $250,000 towards the Darwin
CBD Masterplan.

Ms Currie said all the projects being funded through the Liveable Cities program support the
principles of good planning and better urban design.

“It’s pleasing to see a Federal Government support good planning in this way consistent with
the national urban design protocol which is commitment to best practice urban design in
Australia,” Ms Currie said.

The National Urban Design Protocol called Creating Places for People was the result of two
years of collaboration between peak community and industry organisations, States and
Territories, Local Governments, and the Australian Government.

“Modern planning is about creating healthier places to live. PIA has collaborated with the
National Heart Foundation and the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) to
produce a national guide to creating communities that promote healthy living.

“Good planning is about creating spaces and streets that are aesthetically pleasing and safe
with adequate lighting at night.

“Shops, restaurants and offices should be easily accessed by pedestrians and 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.

“PIA applauds the Federal funding roll out and we would like to see programs such as this a
fundamental part of creating better communities as our cities grow.”
Planning Institute Australia