Managing Urban Growth in the Peri Urban Area by Hansen Partnership
PUCV has commissioned a specialist consultancy, Hansen Partnership, to identify the critical issues arising from significant urban growth in peri urban areas and to propose solutions to address how this urban growth can be better planned, managed and funded.
Peri urban councils are experiencing the some of the highest population growth in the state, which has created urgent issues around urban development and appropriate planning to incorporate growth and the required level of infrastructure investment.
Currently, inadequate planning mechanisms mean that demand is outstripping supply for infrastructure, services and amenities. There is a significant risk of loss of vast tracts of agricultural land, reduced access to natural resources and a loss of character in existing communities.
Without adequate employment or educational opportunities the peri urban region risks becoming sprawling commuter satellite suburbs, increasing congestion on already choked transport networks and without a sense of local identity and place.
The Managing Urban Growth in the Peri Urban Area report identified a number of urgent priority areas and provided a series of recommended actions to address these issues. In summary these priority areas are:
State and Regional Planning Policy – does not adequately classify and understand peri urban areas as distinct from regional cities and rural areas;
Regional Growth Plans – need to update regional growth plans and highlight the relationship in the interurban corridors between Melbourne and Geelong.
Municipal Planning Policy – clearer advice, funding and communication required from government regarding the preferred approach to strategic planning for peri urban areas experiencing high growth.
Precinct Structure Planning – needs to have greater flexibility to adapt to peri urban circumstances.
Infrastructure Funding and Delivery – A simplification of development contribution charges is required.
Managing Urban Development – Councils require additional advice and support to manage urban growth in a consistent manner.
Identity and Character – planning changes must respond to character and amenity characteristics of peri urban towns to avoid becoming commuter settlements.
Staffing – Lack of qualified and available staff with expertise in urban growth planning is putting pressure on councils’ ability to effectively manage population growth.
PUCV will continue to work closely with the Federal Government and other peri urban councils to develop a strong national policy to manage urban sprawl in a positive and productive manner.