Modelling the compact city: Capacities and visions for Melbourne

Abstract

The metropolitan planning strategy 'Melbourne 2030' was released by the Victorian state government in 2002 as a major step towards a low-carbon city and a counter to urban sprawl; it provides for intensification of land-use within an urban growth boundary focused on activity centres and transit-oriented development. It is now widely acknowledged that this policy has not been implemented, while the growth boundary has been expanded substantially. A primary reason for this failure is the government's fear of negative electoral reaction if Melbourne's much-loved urban 'character' is transformed. There has been a lack of both capacity modelling to show where and how the existing fabric can be de..