Geraldton – from a local to global regional city
Over the next 50 years Geraldton will undergo a transformation... The authors would like to acknowledge Tony Brun, City of Greater Geraldton Authors Geraldton – Allan Mason, Arup Professor Peter Newman, Curtin University Phil Melling, City of Greater Geraldton Professor Janette Hartz-Karp, Sustainability Policy (CUSP) Institute Curtin University Sustainability Policy Institute from a local Design David Galloway, Ferart Design Andrews&Co. andrewsand.co Dr Ed Oldmeadow, Syrinx Photography to global Drew Bandy (unless otherwise stated) drewbandy.com Sue Groom, Arup
Ferart Copyright Curtin University 2012 regional city Contents
12 Forewords 16 The vision 18 A new name for a global city-region 21 A liveable city-region 24 A sustainable growing city-region 34 Connecting the clean power 35 Logistics for the future 38 A carbon-neutral city-region 40 An adaptive economic city-region 42 Create a deliberative and engaged community 46 Dawn of the Digital Economy 48 Embracing new opportunities 51 From a vision to a reality 52 Bibliography From being a small regional city dedicated to harvesting the land and the ocean...... into a truly diverse, exciting and interesting city Foreword by the hon minister simon crean mp
Geraldton is a great city and region know community leaders have a great also draw the Geraldton region into The Australian Government has a Our Government is committed Hon Minister Simon Crean MP with a marvellous history and a very vision for the region which includes the the global economy. genuine commitment to regional to meaningful engagement with Minister for Regional Australia, Regional bright future. ambition to be the second Pilbara for Australia and to entrenching the regional communities on these issues. I am a great believer in the Development and Local Government; iron ore mining. concept of ‘regionalism’ in our Local government and the Regional I encourage you to read Geraldton importance of local decision making Minister for the Arts national decision making. Development Australia network are – from a local to global regional city A major expansion of mining in to develop strong regional economies central to these efforts. that maps out how the people of the Geraldton or Midwest region and communities and Geraldton is a The opportunity to unlock the potential the Geraldton region can embrace will require access to vast power good model. of our regions has never been greater or To support regional communities resources and an understanding that more important. to grow in a sustainable way means economic opportunities to become As the Minister for Regional Australia, underpinning this will be harnessing equipping them to meet challenges a global centre, while retaining their Regional Development and Local As Australia’s regions realise this the potential of renewable energy. and seize opportunities created by local, regional character. Government and Minister for the potential – building on their diversity The region has huge potential changing population patterns and This paper demonstrates this Arts I am making sure that Australian and lifting productivity – this will to expand solar, geo-thermal, demographics, such as the ageing potential and looks to the future. Government policy effectively targets improve prosperity both in the regions bio‑mass, wave power and wind population, the conditions of the I share this vision. investment in regions, particularly in and for the nation as a whole. power generation. global economy and the transition the areas of health, education, skills, Overlooking the Indian Ocean, the Australia’s regional communities must to Australia’s low carbon future. I am aware there are plans to triple the communications, infrastructure, water, Western Australian Museum — be given the tools to shape their future. It is as much about environmental extent of wind farming in the region climate change as well as the arts. Geraldton celebrates the rich heritage I know that a top‑down, one-size- sustainability as it is economic. taking generation up to 450mw. of the land, sea and people of the Our Government is making sure that fits‑all approach will not work. Instead, I look forward to working with regions Midwest region. It is also a focal point There are so many opportunities in all regions of Australia are empowered we need a place‑based approach to like Geraldton to secure this future for the Yamatji people who are the the Geraldton region. to identify local need and to guide investment and local development, and to make sure that the voice of local custodians of this ancient landscape. their own futures, through a strong so regional communities can secure These opportunities will not and regional communities is strong Regional Development Australia their future based on their own unique Having visited Geraldton late last only benefit the region, they will and is heard loud and clear. network and other mechanisms. characteristics and priorities. year and spoken with local people, I strengthen the national economy and 12 Foreword by the hon brendon grylls MLA
Regional WA remains the backbone may grow from around 55,000 to the ground breaking Pilbara Cities I congratulate the Curtin University of the WA and national economy. 80,000 by 2021. Such growth and document that has already driven Sustainability Policy Institute (CUSP), The continued growth in the resources societal change presents the CGG unprecedented public investment Arup and other stakeholders for industry, plus development of and other Midwest communities in Karratha and Port Hedland. Such their involvement in preparation diverse industry sectors and strong with significant challenges and research and strategic technical of this publication and encourage population and workforce growth opportunities that can’t be ignored. planning helps decision makers ensure decision makers to use it to help the that public and private investment is community of Geraldton achieve its presents enormous challenges In concert with the Western Australian targeted to deliver the best and most vision of becoming a liveable, growing, and opportunities for regional areas. Planning Commission’s Midwest sustainable outcomes for regional carbon-neutral and economically It’s pleasing to see regional Regional Planning and Infrastructure communities. adaptive city. communities working proactively Framework, the MWDC has prepared to capture these opportunities and a Midwes tInvestment Plan (MWIP) As the Midwest enters this period of to clearly outline the region’s strategic intense change, this discussion paper seek to leverage sustainable long Hon Brendon Grylls MLA term outcomes for current and priorities. Concurrently the City of can be used to support coordinated future generations. The Midwest Greater Geraldton has undertaken development and leverage funding Minister for Regional Development; regional centre of Geraldton is an extensive consultation and various through various Federal and State Land; and Minister Assisting State excellent example. strategic visioning exercises to programs. The Royalties for Regions Development help guide its transition from a funding program is one important The Midwest Development stable regional centre to thriving, tool for reshaping regional WA Commission’s (MWDC) Midwest sustainable global city. that has already made substantial Major Projects Summary (December investment in the Midwest, including 2011) identified more than $27 The “Geraldton – from a local to global $220 million towards implementation billion worth of projects planned regional city” discussion paper aligns of the Midwest Investment Plan. or proposed for the Midwest over closely with the Liberal‑National Significant region changing projects the next five-seven years. If all such governments focus on developing borne out of this discussion paper may projects come to fruition, one study major regional cities in WA. The paper also target other Royalties for Regions predicts that the region’s population is the second in the series, following funding opportunities. 15 Geraldton – From a local to global regional city The vision
Geraldton is at the start of a substantial Based on a series of public engagement commerce. Local people will be employed the city and enjoy its amenities. Food will This is the vision emerging from the This paper sets out a road map for During 2009–10 the City of Greater Each of these issues is discussed, economic growth process driven by processes and interviews with key people, in a diverse range of work opportunities. still be produced close to, or within, the local civic leadership. It is described in a journey that looks 50 years into Geraldton undertook the Sustainable and headline projects outlined, and a mining, trade and science that will draw this Discussion Paper describes what will Ultimately this broader economic well-planned and structured city. Added the City’s City of Greater Geraldton— the future. It uses what we know Future City Project to set a broad potential way forward is summarised. the Geraldton region into the global be needed to match the global economic approach will help reduce local and to this will be a reversal of ecological 2029 and Beyond, from community about the potential projects that vision for what it wanted to become. But first, the idea of a new name for economy. The people of the region want to development drivers with a broadening regional cost structures and promote damage and a regeneration of the natural consultation undertaken by Curtin are emerging to support the claim The four big issues facing the the city‑region is explored as a part embrace this economic opportunity and of the economic base, a deepening of the nationally and internationally aligned environment. Geraldton will have broken University, and from the innovations that Geraldton is transforming city‑region were how to create: of this major growth. social and cultural commitment to being growth and market competitiveness. and projects that are being planned or from a local to a global regional city. become a truly global city, but to do so in its dependency on fossil fuels and will be · a liveable city—where people want a liveable city, and a strengthening of the But many features of life will remain. considered for the region. This paper While the immediate directions a way that retains the local and regional a model of how a regional city underwent to live and spend time appearance, culture and character. environmental features that the region Geraldton will still sit between the this transition. suggests that such a vision is possible. and projects are easily described, Over the next 50 years Geraldton will holds so dearly. Indian Ocean and the Moresby Ranges, The authors have been involved in the further we look into the future · a growing city — increasing its The city will become an economic, undergo a transformation — from offering similar types of recreational these discussions about Geraldton’s the more we have to rely on setting population, but still retaining its The vision is that in 50 years the city cultural and social hub in its own right — being a small regional city dedicated to pursuits to those available today. Fifty future and we see this vision being broad directions, finding the right essence will have achieved a far more diverse a global city — but will still be the place harvesting the land and the ocean, into a years of hard work will overcome the the key to unlocking the positive values to guide the process and economic base, resulting in the growth people recognise as Geraldton. · a carbon-neutral city — powered by future outlined above. We believe truly diverse, exciting and interesting city of efficient and productive local service inequalities between Aboriginal people allowing the details to be worked renewables and repairing the world strongly, however, that the vision is supported by many different economic industries supporting mining, trade, and the other people of the city. People out over time. The forward‑looking only achievable if residents of the city · an economically adaptive city and community activities. science, education and arts related will still be able to move easily around planning and consultation processes continue to be included in the process that are occurring today in Geraldton — changing and diversifying its of creating the future. give confidence that these values are economic base to take advantage in place. of global trends. 17 Geraldton – From a local to global regional city A new name for a global city-region
Geraldton will rapidly become a lot Currently the region is known by the Abrolhos more than a city of just over 40,000 lack-lustre title of ‘the Midwest’. As Taken from the Abrolhos Islands people on the Midwest coast of the region receives more international off the Geraldton coast, the word is Western Australia. The region around attention, this name will become an Anglicisation of the Portuguese Geraldton will grow to more than increasingly inappropriate because of abri vossos olhos, which means 100,000 or even 250,000 people its associations with the United States ‘open your eyes’, a good metaphor as it becomes a significant city- of America. Other parts of Western for a region that is growing and region known internationally for its Australia have more context‑evoking looking to the future. livability; science, mining and trade and engaging local names, such industries; food production; and as Kimberley, Pilbara, Gascoyne Wajarri or Wajarri Yamatji renewable energy. In this new, larger and Goldfields. city region, City of Greater Geraldton This is the name of the Aboriginal As the region grows and develops, it as it is known now will become the language group area that covers will be easier to find a more suitable regional capital. a significant part of the inland name for its long-term future. Some portion of the Midwest region. But what will the region be called? suggestions include: Using this word would acknowledge that the roots of today’s activities touch a culture and landscape that is thousands of years old. 18 A liveable city-region
In his 1950 novel A Town Like Alice, Geraldton needs to be a town like Alice, · providing services for the economically · developing and articulating a Geraldton Neville Shute wrote about the built around the whole fabric of life, and socially disadvantaged, thus style for the city’s architecture, housing characteristics of a ‘lousy’ outback attractive to all people, rather than helping to ensure that the people and cultural activities town like Willstown and compared it solely an economic powerhouse where who helped make the place aren’t · providing housing stock that reflects the to the ‘bonzer’ town of Alice Springs. quick money is made from the region’s disadvantaged when the new money demography of the region, especially The difference was that Alice Springs finite natural resources. It needs to starts to flow the ageing portion of the population, had something more than just work ensure that, in the midst of its growth · including Aboriginal people in decision and focusing on medium density and pubs for men; it had attractions and change, it focuses on becoming making and the new employment housing in high amenity nodes along for women and was a place of cultured a liveable, engaging, intelligent and opportunities through training for the coast social activity. It had a cinema, an vibrant city. Historically, many cities the jobs that will be created directly ice-cream parlour, a swimming pool, (such as Melbourne and Fremantle) · supporting affordable and culturally by the new industries, as well as for women’s clothing and jewellery stores, have experienced the benefits of a appropriate housing in high-amenity the jobs that come indirectly, such a beauty parlour… and most of all, it mineral boom or gold rush. These cities and other areas as small businesses related to their was a place that offered employment managed to link economic boom times cultural economy · supporting and strengthening social for women. with cultural, civic and architectural networks that enable the city’s social excellence. The Geraldton city-region · clustering non-government Neville Shute describes what happens capital to promote civic pride and a has now taken up this challenge. organisations (NGOs) and when a town begins to invest in the sense of place community service centres, and elements of a more liveable city. The elements of a liveable city embedding these into the business · introducing a level of fine detail to urban Rather than being just a stop-over on currently being explored by the and commercial areas to create a real design, especially to streets, so that the the way to somewhere else, for the city include: mix of activities in the city centre and streetscape, architecture, materials, predominantly male population of the · building community connectivity other district hubs facilities and services make the city an Northern Territory, Alice Springs began through transport opportunities and attractive and walkable place that draws to attract women. Along with women · ensuring that each of the commercial the soft infrastructure that helps people to it. came households and families. And centres contain a diverse range of people gather together in places where with households and families came activities which will help prevent the they want to meet diverse and growing communities with formation of run-down areas when a new prosperity and positive approach economic factors change to the future. 21 Geraldton – From a local to global regional city Developing and articulating a Geraldton style 23 Geraldton – From a local to global regional city A sustainable Greater Geraldton City Region: Possible Population Scenarios (Fig. 1) 90 000 growing city-region opulation
Lasting Legacy Scenario P Every day we are reminded in the The community wants this growth Demographics and planning · grow within geographic and media that we live in a world where to be supported through major As indicated in Figure 1 current environmental constraints nothing is stable — global financial contributions from the new projections place the population as · provide high-quality food and crises, cyclones, floods, bushfires, regional economic drivers. These high as 79,800 people by 2021 and up water from local sources climate change, and vulnerability contributions are needed to create to 99,700 people by 2031. Growth of 60 000 · build a city with a diverse and flexible to diminishing resources like oil. social and economic opportunities Geraldton from the current population structure that can adapt to change The anxiety caused by this can, as well as to significantly reduce its of 40,000 to nearly 100,000 in 20 years unfortunately, discourage people environmental footprint. Its civic and is very significant. These people all · reduce its fossil fuel consumption from taking positive action to change business leaders believe this growth need to live somewhere and to enjoy dramatically compared to present and overcome these issues. However needs to happen in an intelligent and where they live, whether that be in day levels. some cities, such as Geraldton, are sustainable way — more than just the regional capital of Geraldton or in favoured with economic growth piecemeal economic contributions to This will need to be reflected in regional towns such as Northampton, housing policy, spatial planning policy opportunities and have a real chance to specific projects. Cue or Mullewa. make a difference and aim for a more and co‑ordinated infrastructure policy Geraldton can take the opportunity sustainable future. For Geraldton to Over the next 50 years Geraldton and development. ABS Plus Trend to grasp emerging technologies, such create its vision it will need to become will need to plan so that it can: as decentralised green infrastructure, 30 000 a global destination for people who SmartGrids and renewable energy; · adequately prepare for the see the city as a long-term lifestyle and and it can create much better housing influx of new people of mixed orecast investment opportunity, and who want w 2000/2004 F opportunities. It can do this through ethnic backgrounds A Tomorro to be associated with a city that is not WAPC W new procurement and funding · provide better housing and services only growing but showing the world mechanisms such as public–private than are presently available how to be more sustainable. community partnerships, and it can · give easy access to areas of demonstrate leadership in managing high amenity to as many people its future with a planned agenda built as possible
around sustainable development.
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2005 1999 24 Housing policy In addition the population will be Over 95% of the housing stock in To meet its future demographic, The vast majority of houses and ageing. Set against these trends will Geraldton is located in suburban economic and social needs, suburbs built in the region are be the influx of people attracted by neighbourhoods, which suits the Geraldton’s housing stock needs designed for the nuclear family of the increase in economic activity in needs of many people during the to change from its current structure. a couple with dependent children. the region. This is likely to skew the family raising phases of their lives. Specifically, more emphasis will be However this is not the usual family demographics towards singles and With changes in population structure, needed on: couples, and a mobile population however, there will be a demand for structure in Australia. Nuclear · apartments — both for the high with short-term accommodation medium-density urban development families represented only 35% of and low sections of the market families in 2006, showing a significant requirements. In addition to changing linked to good transport systems · self-contained units with small decline over the previous 30 years. demographics the wealth produced and placed in prime locations. outdoor recreation areas This trend will continue. from the mining industry is unlikely Mixing medium-density centres to be distributed evenly across the with corridors of traditional low- · provision of affordable housing community. This may result in a density suburbia is known to create in desirable locations segmented income structure, with the best, most equitable, vibrant significant numbers of people being and sustainable cities. Geraldton is · areas for storing recreational able to pay high rents and property well placed to change the form and equipment (e.g. cars, boats, caravans) prices, while at the same time a structure of its coastal urban areas to · provision of high-quality ‘nomad’/ similarly significant number of people reflect this type of urban form, and it temporary accommodation. will be excluded because they are not is small enough to make these changes working in high-paid jobs. with relatively low capital investment. 27 Geraldton – From a local to global regional city Research into radio astronomy, A real chance to make a natural resource management, renewable difference and aim for a energy, marine sciences, regional health more sustainable future 29 Geraldton – From a local to global regional city Gross Regional Product (Fig. 2)
20 000 wer Forecast Gross Regional Product (Annual $,000) – Lo
Investibility Model Analysis
Spatial planning policy The Western Australian Planning Economy In terms of future growth it is expected 15 000 The City of Greater Geraldton is Commission recently released the The economy of the Greater that Geraldton can leverage off the Greater Geraldton Structure Plan regional projects, which according constrained geographically to the Geraldton and Midwest region has ) 0 2011. This plan focuses on urban areas to the Midwest Development 0 north by the Oakajee Industrial been experiencing a rapid level of ,0 $ al and areas likely to experience pressure Commission amount to $27 billion u Estate; to the east by the Moresby growth over the past decade. The n n for development within the City of between now and 2020. The City A Ranges, the airport and Narngulu population growth evidenced over this ( P Greater Geraldton and the Shire of of Greater Geraldton has adopted a R Industrial Estate; and to the south by period and that projected in the future G st Chapman Valley. “Positive Lasting Legacy Principles" a the productive lands of the Greenough is inexorably linked to the economic ec or Flats. This is not a bad situation drivers, in mining, renewable energy, policy and is seeking to have this policy F The City has embarked on a major ge n because many of the world’s best and the SKA and city services. apply to all new major industry and ha review of its physical structure 10 000 C o most vibrant cities are geographically government projects. The intention N through the preparation of a new A factor in this initial driver of growth is to seek the maximisation of local st constrained, forcing innovative Town Planning Scheme. In addition oreca was government sector investment r F economic benefits and multipliers to ppe housing, transport and infrastructure the State Government has created a U in infrastructure and services. During ) – ensure the local and regional economy 00 solutions that provide for rich, diverse new Regional Planning Committee ,0 the period 2001 – 2005, the State $ and vibrant built-form and related is both supported and enhanced. al that advises the Western Australian nu
Government invested heavily in the Million) ($,000 Product Regional Gross n functional outcomes. Importantly, t (A Planning Commission on regional duc deepening of the Geraldton Port Pro there are also real productivity gains onal issues and will provide a much harbour (enabling an increase of ships Gross Regi in cities that do not rely on extensive needed local focus to strategic to 70,000 tonne panamax vessels) travel distances and times as well planning decisions. a new public hospital, new police 5 000 as substantial savings in public complex and the development of the expenditure associated with reduced Geraldton Universities Centre.
costs for transport infrastructure.
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Land use and transport nodes and transit system would look Geraldton has committed to becoming Despite the geographic constraints, like a ‘chain of pearls’ (see Figure 5). a walkable city, and has already begun a review of traffic and movement around Glenfield there is no shortage of land for Each of these nodes will be the city. This needs to be extended to housing. The projected population surrounded by more typical suburban include and link into the long-term growth can be easily accommodated development, but the increased vision for the ‘chain of pearls’ along even if all the development is a population of the medium‑density the corridors of growth. continuation of the current suburban nodes will support local businesses Sunset sprawl. Over 100,000 people and recreational areas, reducing the can be accommodated on land need to travel long distances to shops The Port currently planned and approved for and facilities. The long-term plan would be to to development following suburban While everyday living can be move the mineral export activities of density models similar to Perth and Bluff Point supported through these nodes, the Geraldton port to Oakajee. This Sydney. The major dilemma with people want to have an active and alive will free Geraldton port for uses that following the urban sprawl housing city centre. Typically this will require are more integrated with the city model is that all the issues of car redevelopment of the central business and its residents — freight handling, dependence, congestion, transport district to increase building heights tourism, fishing, recreational boating, Beresford inefficiencies and high infrastructure up to four or five storeys, with the housing and education. Freeing up costs will be created in Geraldton upper storeys containing apartments. the port land and the adjacent area when there is no need to do so. The heights of these buildings along Point Moore will create huge Modest increases of density around should be staggered back from the opportunities for highly desirable Geraldton City selected urban nodes would easily waterfront so that the upper storeys urban development. allow the city to grow to 250,000 of all buildings have good views of the Northgate Wonthella Rangeway people. Consequently, it is proposed ocean. The emphasis should be on that a series of medium-density urban making the centre of the city highly nodes, placed close to the beach and liveable and based around pedestrian Health & Education An active and linked by a cheap, efficient and safe traffic with lots of green spaces, rather mass transit system, be designed and than being dominated by cars as built over the next 50 years. These currently occurs. alive city centre Back Beach 33 32 Jack Hills
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Pindar Leonora Mullewa Oakajee Geraldton Moonyoonooka (Future) Golden Grove Geraldton Mungarra Mingenew Morawa Menzies Karara Dongara Perenjori Three Future co Springs nnecti ons to Extension Hill National Rail Grid Three Springs Eneabba Eneabba Emu Downs Dalwallinu Kalgoorlie Miling New Infrastructure Moora Bonnie Rock 330 kV Line: Stage 1 Koolyanobbing Mukinbudin 330 kV Line: Stage 2 (Future) Cataby Moora Terminal Station/Substation Regans
Existing Infrastructure Regans Merredin Muchea 132 kV Line Existing Railway Pinjar Muchea Northam Terminal Station/Substation Proposed Railway Neerabup Perth Power Station Narngulu-Oakajee Midwest existing and proposed energy infrastructure (Fig. 4) Quairading Midwest existing and proposed rail infrastructure (Fig. 5)
Perth 35
34 (Metropolitan Area) Brookton Kondinin Mandurah 37
Photo by Karl Monaghan Photo class world‑class as well as information technologies green infrastructure from from green infrastructure ong term sustainability of of sustainability Long term and wastewater management management and wastewater smart, efficient energy, better better energy, smart, efficient transport options, clever water options, clever water transport ional city gional re to global Geraldton – From a local efficient energy, better transport energy, efficient and wastewater options, clever water management, well as world‑class as needs to information technologies commitmentbe coupled with a to is This emissions. carbon reducing discussed further below. has decided to n has decided to Geraldto of Greater will be infrastructure plan that future that works with green infrastructure rather than against systems, natural them. The public forums strongly This represents endorsed this policy. to a a significant commitment sustainable, low-carbon, low‑water, high‑recycling CUSP approach. has shownresearch this can be cost effective. the infrastructure, addition to In city needs sustainable buildings for civic, commercial and domestic implement this will require use. To building bylaws, some changes to and the city’s support for pilot and demonstration urban development be to This needs and housing projects. by good economic evidence supported that such innovation won’t negatively impact upon peoples’ livelihoods. sustainability of The long-term smart, green from infrastructure Infrastructure policy demandsA sustainable city that about the intelligent we be more energy and reuse/ supply of water, Currently, disposal of waste. water and waste water Geraldton’s telecommunications infrastructure, inadequate are and electricity cabling density the increased accommodate to of development. Expanding this followinginfrastructure business- as-usual (BAU) approaches design will be an enduring on the city’s drain for ongoing base, particularly rate is something that will This operations. considered,need carefully innovative particular In planning. and strategic provide leadership the City needs to agencies infrastructure which State to currently use a supply-on-demand development. model of infrastructure design is generally addition, BAU In about using environmental resources, polluting them, then dumping the The City the environment. into waste ood and water As the region grows, however, it is As grows, the region however, important that local food and water and enhanced, protected supplies are all In and supply chains shortened. it will be the planning for the future the horticultural retain essential to districts and reserve the groundwater resiliencesupplies for the future of the rathercity-region, than using them for economic advantage. short-term Increasingly regional cities have to to have cities regional Increasingly themselves the risks from insulate to with interruptions associated for the long‑distance supply chains food human essentials of energy, As Geraldton city-region, a and water. is well endowed with good supplies land in the Greenoughof arable Flats as Ranges, and east of the Moresby quantities well as with reasonable Local of good quality groundwater. feed to gardens adequate are market food. the city with fresh F 39
Photo by Karl Monaghan Photo a carbon-neutral region nergy intensive mining mining Energy intensive operations could help create could help create operations ional city gional re to global Geraldton – From a local Carbon credits feasible to While it is technically renewable to switch completely energy over there the next 50 years, sequester imperativeis still a real to emissions. future carbon and avoid is the major coastal city in Geraldton the Southern of Western Rangelands that has some of area an Australia, landscapes in the most degraded Developments in land the country. mean that management technologies now are areas these degraded able very be managed and turned into to carbon stores significant long-term featuring new soil biochar plantations, and new management rangeland is well placed The city techniques. of provide large-scale brokerage to regional to linked carbon credits projects and avoidance sequestration over the next 30 years as the world economy is decarbonised. -purpose The City of Greater Geraldton Geraldton The City of Greater considers that with relatively modest levels of investment, and considerable application of policy initiative, the and administrative mining operationsenergy-intensive a carbon-neutral will help create byregion accessing renewable energy well-planned, fit‑for through transmission assets that align to and assets that align to transmission -owned -existing state run off pre infrastructure. transmission Energy efficiency The city has begun initiatives to of both boost the energy efficiency buildings across public and private By combining this with the region. green and SmartGrid infrastructure the demand for energy technology, reduced across can be significantly and enablethe region small scale all new be built into renewables to urban development. Linking into the grid Many miners of the large in the region will be significant power users and will and electricity be building transport and power infrastructure transmission support this generation capacity to 4). demand (see Figure enewable energy hubs Renewable energy certain close to relatively In locations of proximity the geographic Geraldton renewable energy supplies will enable renewable be created. energy hubs to Depending these on their locations hubs will combine different mixes geothermal, solar and of wind, wave, a into and feed technologies, storage grid. These and state-wide regional will be the basis of much employment, be a as well as enabling to the region model for decarbonising the economy and the world. Australia across
Described as ‘the Middle East of renewable its wind energy’, due to of the city-region and solar resources, be a vision to has Geraldton Greater a leading user provider and of clean exporting renewable energy energy, regional Perth, to out of its region mining energy-hungry magnetite operations, and other centres. urban become the The city’s ambition is to capital of a carbon-neutral region. While climate change presents major While climate challenges, emissions reducing from the generation of power is one of the challenges addressed readily most advances; technological through of and the production transport the However, difficult. more food are of the urban form discussed redesign very in the previous section will make reducing to significant contributions emissions these sources. from gion city-re tral u A carbon-ne An adaptive A global regional city that is more economic city-region liveable and sustainable
As seen in Figure 6, traditionally the Central to the vision of being a city · Heavy Industry – Oakajee Port · Administration – IT services hub All of these components must be Create city has been supported economically with an adaptive economy is the and Industrial Estate, Oakajee for regional agencies and local combined in a broad regional plan by Harvesting, with a focus on creation of economic precincts to help Narngulu Infrastructure Corridor government, backup/mirror for to help lead the city-region through Research agriculture and fishing. The reliance provide a focus for the city’s economic and Narngulu Industrial Estate to state government IT systems the anticipated transitions outlined Smart Business development. The precincts envisaged facilitate processing and export of above. The sooner this is done and on agriculture as the dominant · Health, Education and Training – economic activity will soon shift, both as critical to long‑term growth include: mined commodities the first steps taken to encourage Link training, education, tele-health, virtual their facilitation the sooner Greater due to the arrival of the mining and · Logistics – Oakajee Port, state rail work building on the clustering of two Geraldton will begin the journey to export industry and as climate change network upgrade, and links into the major hospitals, Durack Institute of Logistics becoming a global regional city that affects the productivity of agricultural national rail network, Geraldton Port, Technology, Combined Universities Industry is more liveable and sustainable. output. The City of Greater Geraldton Geraldton Airport Centre for Rural Health, Geraldton recognises the benefits that will be Capital Dig Universities Centre, high schools gained from this Digging phase, but · Research and Technology – full also acknowledges that it will have to Resources deployment of the National · Arts – providing artistic work move beyond this into a diversified Iron Ore Broadband Network (NBN), spaces and building on the local and sustainable economy based on Harvest Australian Square Kilometre Array physical and Digital Arts community’s developing regional logistics industries Pathfinder (ASKAP/SKA), iVEC, initiatives Agriculture research into radio astronomy, and Creative, clever industries. These · Sport –building on Geraldton's Fishing natural resource management, will Link to the world, creating new fascination with sport, cars and all renewable energy, marine sciences, and innovative businesses and culture. things that move fast Figure 6 indicates these opportunities. regional health 2010 Time 2029
Traditional and future economic opportunities (Fig. 6) 43 Photo by Ashton Wright by Ashton Photo success stories as an international as an international success stories will be considered one of the world’s one of the world’s will be considered city-region with a strong local identity city-region with a strong new city-region within 50 years that that within 50 years A new city-region connections have been created been created connections have with Indigenous and multicultural ‘Civic website, An interactive groups. encourage Evolution’ has been built to develop ideas the community to the City can specific proposals into implement, and many small and large deliberations to scale face-to-face joint problem solving and facilitate been run. action have collaborative of the community, industry and of the community, overseegovernment and formed to of 2029 and help implement outcomes Beyond. ‘Community champions’— and engage people who initiate the community in conversations about things that affect the future been and trained have of the City, A working with the community. are alliance has beenstrong built with the media, in particular the widely read informed foster to local newspaper, engagement dialogue and promote New of the City. with the future with Curtin University (CUSP) to to with Curtin University (CUSP) innovative develop and evaluate use deliberative democracy to ways build regional and social media to the the first year, After sustainability. directions on future City has agreed of and teams for the community, people — made up of community members and City staff, tackling some sustainability issues that of the tough is facing. Geraldton Other initiatives include the creation of ‘the Alliance Governance Group’ — consisting of representatives
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2029 and Beyond is a long-term improve sustainability in initiative to of City region Geraldton the Greater by implementing Australia Western ‘deliberative democracy’ as a way of life. Deliberative democracy is a participative governance where process citizens,the community — ordinary all levels of government, and industry non-government sector,the learn and of cooperative new ways undertake problem solving and collaborative 2029 and Beyonddecision‑making. project includes a 3-year research ga & en community
deliberative A Create 45
Undertaking new ways of of new ways Undertaking making ‑making collaborative decision cooperative problem solving and problem solving and cooperative
ional city city gional gional re re to global to global Geraldton – From a local Geraldton – From a local 44 Dawn of the Photo by SKA Organisation/Swinburne Astronomy Productions Digital Economy
Throughout history, economies The “Digital Economy” a mix of The Digital Economy is creating have been reshaped by revolutionary ICT innovations such as the high a highly dynamic economy and inventions. Breakthroughs in speed broadband network, mobile is changing many, if not all facets information and communication computing and digital equipment are of society. It shrinks the physical technology (ICT) have been reshaping now allowing knowledge creation boundaries that previously limited our world for the past one hundred industries, scientific breakthroughs free flows of information, investment years. From the creation of the first and efficient utilization of capital and to move easily around the world telegraph in the late nineteenth resources independent of geographic and redefines social interaction. century, the expansion of telephone location. Most future predictions now Businesses that are part of the Digital communication networks in the early look at how this smart technology can Economy find it easier to innovate, twentieth century to the worldwide also help create the “Green Economy” improve market access and become adoption of mobile computing where significant reductions in globally competitive. It also empowers technology in the twenty first century resource footprint are feasible because social engagement and governance created, and will continue to create, of the precision of digital systems. structures that can become more enormous growth of economic and transparent, democratic and effective. social opportunities. 46 EMBRACING NEW OPPORTUNITIES
Geraldton has set a vision for the In charting the milestones towards science and information technology Digital Government Programs become ‘an even better place in and indigenous communities as well Huge Bandwidth Connection by CSIRO on site at the Geraldton digital transformation of the City realising this vision, the City has and served as the base for Australia’s In line with the Australian Federal which to live and work’. This award as the deployment of a digital platform Geraldton is uniquely poised to campus. For the first time researchers by becoming a resource-based, taken bold steps to plan, initiate bid for the Square Kilometre Array. Government’s vision to become a will support Geraldton's push to for sharing of data across different become the technology hub for can be based in Geraldton and have “Smart City”. The City will use ICT and spearhead several major ICT Geraldton provides the hub for the leading global digital economy by become a world class exemplar of government agencies. Western Australia. This is through access to world class super computing to support use of renewable energy, development projects within fibre optic cable to link the ASKAP to 2020, Geraldton has been chosen as efficient resource usage, including a mix of its location and also the capacity and modelling. computerizing and automating Geraldton as well as the Midwest Perth and the rest of the world. how to best integrate renewable the first regional Western Australian Data Repository development of key infrastructure manufacturing, designing a safe region. These projects include but are city to establish the Digital Hub, technologies into households and elements such as the SKA. In 2010 energy-efficient City, providing well- not limited to the following: The NBN enables Geraldton to Square Kilometre Array Digital Enterprise and Digital businesses, how to establish best the Commonwealth Government coordinated advanced government become the home for all the WA Local Government programs. practice demand side management funded the construction of a 96 core services, effective online health care, Australia is now sharing the Square Government’s data disaster recovery, Australian Square Kilometre These programs aim to equip the education programs and how to of optic fibre link between Perth and and education and training to all Kilometre Array (SKA) project data backup and storage in order to communities and to help them gain the ensure world class digital connectivity Geraldton consisting of 48 core for community groups within the region. Array Pathfinder with southern Africa. The SKA is a for the new Green Economy. meet it sovereign risk and international revolutionary international radio skills needed to seize and capitalize on data management requirements. This NBN, 24 core for the SKA project, 12 The Australian Square Kilometre The City believes that the NBN telescope with receptors extending opportunities in the Digital Economy. would see a transformational change core for AARnet for research purpose Array Pathfinder (ASKAP) is a next- will be vital to drive sustainable out to distances of 3,000 km from Broadband Interconnectivity in the local and regional economy to and linking Geraldton Universities economic transformation and generation radio telescope based at Centre (GUC) to the Pawsey Centre the centre of the telescope. The SKA IBM Smart City Status Leveraging on the NBN architecture, become more focused on technology social improvements. It has a strong the Murchison Radio-Astronomy (iVEC supercomputer), and 12 core is able to look at distant stars and the City will be the Point of and innovation. Such a centre has also commitment to use the NBN and Observatory, approximately 315km Geraldton was selected as one of 33 for State Government usage. The galaxies formed not long after the Big Interconnectivity (POI) for all optical the potential to create a critical mass ICT to spur growth, create jobs, north east of Geraldton. In addition cities worldwide to receive an IBM AARnet connection will provide GUC Bang and will address fundamental fibre, fixed wireless and satellite to sustain further data support for the improve market access, enhance to undertaking ground breaking radio Smarter Cities Challenge in 2012. significant access to supercomputing questions such as how galaxies broadband data for the mid and resources sector and all the remote rural productivity and contribute astronomy it provided an opportunity This grant provides the City with and telepresence capacity through evolved, the role of magnetism in the northern WA region. Planning is also and rural communities in the north of to greater income generation in the to showcase Australia’s capacity as a access to IBM's top experts to analyse facilities currently being developed cosmos and the nature of gravity. underway to enable the hosting of Western Australia. Digital Economy. provider and developer of cutting edge and recommend ways Geraldton can multiple ISP’s for servicing the remote 49
48 Geraldton – From a local to global regional city from a vision to a reality
Turning this vision into a reality over · welcoming the opportunities for · using the talents and resources We have developed this document the next 50 years will take intelligence, change as a means of creating a better that are present in the region to give an overview of Geraldton’s commitment, effort and leadership. future potential as it enters an intense · forming partnerships with the best and It also requires recognition that the period of growth. In our view, · continuing to work together for finest people and organisations from world is constantly evolving and we creating this vision will depend the common good outside the region will have to modify this vision over on how strongly the people of the time. It will require the community · enhancing the local environment · having a commitment to region hold to these values and work and the City of Greater Geraldton to and heritage excellence and believing that the towards the vision. We’re optimistic Geraldton region truly represents continue to recognise and strengthen · creating new forums where people that Geraldton will create a new a world‑class opportunity the values of a visionary, civilised and can talk through their ideas and city‑region within 50 years that will be civic minded community, including: access assistance with developing · working for tolerance, equity considered one of the world’s success them, including development of the and inclusion stories as an international city-region entrepreneurial spirit with a strong local identity. · recognising and celebrating difference.
A visionary, civilised and civic minded community 51 Geraldton – From a local to global regional city Bibliography
ABS 2002, Census of population and housing: selected social and housing characteristics City of Geraldton-Greenough & Worley Parsons 2010, City of Geraldton-Greenough Australia 2001, Australian Bureau of Statistics, ACT. leading candidate for the National Energy Efficiency Initiative as a Smart Grid-enabled sustainable city, City of Geraldton-Greenough & Worley Parsons, WA. Australian Institute of Family Studies, Family facts and figures, viewed, http:// www.aifs.gov.au/institute/info/charts/familystructure/ftype.html. City of Geraldton-Greenough & Worley Parsons 2010, Midwest renewable energy opportunities and constraints, City of Geraldton-Greenough & Worley Parsons, WA. City of Geraldton-Greenough 2010, 2029 and beyond — sustainable future city region project, City of Geraldton-Greenough, WA (brochure). Curtin University Sustainability Policy Institute 2010, Renewable transport, viewed 20 October 2010, http://sustainability.curtin.edu.au/research_ City of Geraldton-Greenough 2009, A vision for Western Australian logistics, City of publications/renewable_transport.cfm. Geraldton-Greenough, WA. Department of Health and Aged Care 2001, Population ageing and the economy, City of Geraldton-Greenough 2010, Draft Sustainable Future Cities Project Plan, research by Access Economics Pty Ltd. Vol.21, p.83. City of Geraldton-Greenough, WA. National Native Title Tribunal 2005, Research report bibliography Wajarri Yamatji, City of Geraldton-Greenough 2008, ‘Geraldton: a future international western Australian Government, ACT. logistics portal’, a request for priority under the Building Australia Fund submission to Infrastructure Australia. Newman, P, Beatley, T & Boyer, H 2009, Resilient cities: responding to peak oil and climate change, Island Press, Washington DC. City of Geraldton-Greenough 2010, Key projects and plans, viewed 20 October 2010, http://www.cgg.wa.gov.au/about-council/vision-strategy/key-projects-plans. Newman P, Bilsborough D and Mouritz M, 2010, Pilbara cities: from projects to places—the 2 challenges, 4 themes and 10 practices of how to do it, PB-CUSP Discussion City of Geraldton-Greenough 2010, ‘Smart community – smart region: Paper, Curtin University Sustainability Policy (CUSP) Institute, Fremantle. transforming Geraldton into Australia’s west coast technology centre business case’, Smart Technology application for Geraldton and the Midwest region of Trubka, R, Newman, P & Bilsborough D 2010, The costs of sprawl (parts 1, 2 & 3). Western Australia. Environment Design Guide nos 83–85. City of Geraldton-Greenough 2010, Submission to National Freight Network Plan, Western Australian Planning Commission 2011, Greater Geraldton Structure Plan City of Geraldton-Greenough, WA. 2011, Western Australian Planning Commission, WA. City of Geraldton-Greenough & Applied Knowledge Consultants 2011, City of Geraldton-Greenough Investability Model Phase 3 (2020–2031) (not publicly available). 52 The city will become an economic, cultural and social hub in its own right – a global city – but will still be the place people recognise as Geraldton Photo by Ashton Wright
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