Issue No. 103 new planner June 2015 the journal of the New South Wales planning profession

Transport & Infrastructure City light rail makes a comeback | Planning for car sharing Transformational infrastructure | Badgerys Creek Airport EMM is a leading planning and environmental consultancy. The firm is distinguished by consistent high quality work, integrity and commitment to our clients.

SERVICES Planning Environment

„Urban & Regional „Aboriginal & Historical Heritage „Ecology „Social „ĐŽƵƐƟĐƐ „Environmental Assessment & Management „Transport „ůŽƐƵƌĞ͕ZĞŚĂďŝůŝƚĂƟŽŶΘ^ŽŝůƐ „GIS „Contaminated Land „Groundwater

SYDNEY . NEWCASTLE . BRISBANE www.emgamm.com.au

2 | JUNE 2015 | newplanner This Issue contents

Guest Editorial 4

President’s Message 6

Executive Officer’s Report 7

Norton Rose Fulbright Review 9 CONTACT Suite 404, Level 4, 32 York St, Sydney NSW 2000 Light rail for a dense city 10 T: 02 8904 1011 E: [email protected] Transport planning to get ahead of the rail 12 CONTRIBUTIONS corridor curve The theme of the September 2015 issue is Place Making. If you would like to submit an article, opinion piece or How local urban planning makes 13 letter for this issue, please send a 150-200 word EOI to [email protected] by Friday 12th June. carsharing work Please review the New Planner contributor guidelines at: Integrated service planning for public transport 14 www.planning. org.au/news/new-planner-nsw in Sydney – strategy becoming reality NEW PLANNER EDITORIAL TEAM Newcastle light rail project: considering 16 Managing Editor Andrew Wheeler, UNSW Australia future planning implications Associate Editors Social infrastructure and A Plan for Growing Sydney 17 Elle Clouston, HillPDA Camille Lattouf, Architectus Transformational infrastructure: remaking 18 Alice Reilly, Hames Sharley Rose Saltman, RM Planning the city and questioning current practice Ken Shepherd, Canada Bay Council 22 Laura Wynne, UTS How to cook a planner PIA Staff The Game Changer: why Badgerys Creek airport 24 Maurene Horder, NSW Executive Officer demands a rethinking of our strategic plans for Sydney COVER The policy behind the practice: community 26 Sydney’s light rail future (Source: Transport for NSW) engagement in infrastructure planning

DESIGN AND PRODUCTION NSW Young Planners 27 Nationwide Advertising Pty Ltd T: 02 9955 4777 E: [email protected] NSW Consulting Planners 28 29 SUBSCRIPTIONS International Snippets New Planner is available on subscription to non–members 30 of PIA NSW at a cost of $88 per annum, GST inclusive. Planning Perspectives Email: [email protected] Healthy Built Environments 31

The views expressed in New Planner are those of the PlannerTech 32 authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Planning Institute of Australia. In the Courts 33

See our advertising rates and guidelines on our website Want to reach your target www.planning.org.au/news/new-planner-nsw or audience? contact us [email protected] / 02 8904 1011 to discuss the attractive advertising and sponsorship Advertise in New Planner opportunities on offer.

ISSN 1324-8669 PP a233-867-00015 newplanner | JUNE 2015 | 3 Guest Editorial Transport and the future of our cities Garry Glazebrook

transport corridors. This is encouraging, “Its all about the poles and wires” was the headline in The Sydney as all too often transport infrastructure Morning Herald on the eve of the recent State election. All pre- has been built in the absence of land use election polls showed electricity privatization was very unpopular. policies designed to maximize the benefits of enhanced accessibility. Daniel Cavallo from But despite this, the Government, which promised big spending TfNSW highlights another form of integration on transport infrastructure in exchange for leasing the poles and – multi-modal transport planning – which wires, was returned. This suggests that voters were ultimately represents an important step away from the “silo” approach adopted in the past, where more interested in new infrastructure than preserving public buses frequently failed to integrate with the ownership of the electricity network. rail system. However, sustainable transport solutions It is appropriate then that this issue of New article examines the Government’s plans to demand more than just public transport Planner focuses on transport, a major replace Newcastle’s heavy rail line with a improvements. Measures to encourage component of the infrastructure budget and modern, light rail system. He highlights the walking and cycling are key, while new the element with the greatest impact on how need for complementary land use policies in transport innovations such as car share our cities will develop in the future. order to realise the potential urban renewal – discussed by Jennifer Kent and Robyn benefits associated with light rail. Dowling – need to be supported by the From a transport perspective, the election planning system. Freight movement is also result means that the North West Rail Link Liz Develin from NSW Planning and critical, but often overlooked. Carl Wulff and the CBD and South East Light Rail will Environment outlines the Government’s offers a thought-provoking piece on the be completed by 2019, and that other major approach to integrating transport and land Moorebank intermodal, arguing that it should new transport projects will commence, use planning around new or enhanced be built adjacent to Badgerys Creek airport. including the second Harbour rail crossing, the WestConnex motorway and the Parramatta light rail. Despite this progress, some key questions remain: • How will current transport initiatives affect our lifestyles and our city, and are they the best investments? • How do we finance transport infrastructure once the boost from leasing the poles and wires runs out? • What will our transport systems look like in the future, and how can we use them to shape more desirable and sustainable urban living? This issue includes a range of articles addressing these questions. Anthony Mifsud, for example, looks at how the CBD and South East Light Rail project will not only transform George Street, but also open up the possibility of a CBD-based light rail network serving Green Square, which is undergoing large-scale redevelopment. Brett Maynard describes how this project also requires major re-organisation of CBD bus services The North West Rail Link – one of the State’s numerous transport infrastructure projects currently under and traffic management. Darren Holloway’s construction (Source: Transport for NSW)

4 | JUNE 2015 | newplanner editorial

Q | JUNE 2015 | 5 grafton second crossing study planner has over 30 years’ new our cities, especially in relation to transport. commitment to improving the sustainability of take advantage of the additional capacity additional capacity of the advantage take crossing. rail Harbour by the second provided proposed Circle” of the “Metro Completion the then require only would by Rod Simpson link, – Camelia/Parramatta Epping/Macquarie geography. entire Sydney’s transforming infrastructure transport term Other longer NSW include a re- affecting issues between of High Speed Rail examination which would Melbourne and Brisbane, pressures some of the population alleviate re- and capitals state on the Eastern the route. cities along regional invigorate and Melbourne headed for With both Sydney a and Brisbane for a population of 8 million by 2050, these options population of 6 million be addressed. need to freight the Southern Sydney Similarly, (now terminal line and Enfield intermodal of the and the construction completed), line and further freight Northern Sydney be supported must terminals, intermodal to pricing measures road by appropriate mode shift of long a significant achieve This rail. to freight and container distance on our overtaxed pressure relieve would Badgerys Creek Finally, networks. road on pressures relieve to airport promises job growth and stimulate Sydney Eastern be but the airport must Sydney, in Western minimise if it is to by rail well-connected and truck-based traffic. car- challenges of transport is no shortage There encouraging more ahead, but the signs are Hopefully many decades. than for now big further will help stimulate this issue the current thinking and continue picture momentum. Happy reading! plan for Sydney, and has a longstanding inquiry into a long-term public transport Sydney Morning Herald’s independent public consulting to academia. He initiated The ranging from government agencies to Garry Glazebrook Garry Glazebrook experience in urban and transport planning, WestConnex parrammatta road corridor barangaroo delivery authority

In this context, one must question the question one must In this context, transport current biggest wisdom of Sydney’s The City of Sydney – WestConnex. investment $15 that spending argued have and others the headed towards billion on motorways Melbourne has decided CBD is shortsighted. and instead an inner city freeway scrap to rail metro build a new funds to allocate for late Is it too the city centre. link through this example? from learn to Sydney the final before examining One option worth be a downsized would let are contracts the the end of the M4 to tunnel from road on focused complex, Botany/Airport Port in peak periods, which in vehicles commercial alternative. public transport no have general in then be reinvested could The funds saved the CBD between Metro the West accelerating and Olympic via Strathfield and Parramatta, as Parramatta strengthen This would Park. development future for CBD, cater the second and corridor, Parramatta in the CBD to Future growth cannot be based on cannot growth Future and increasingly the unsustainable models of car-based uneconomical 60 years the last The need to provide high quality access to to high quality access provide The need to a remain of our city will areas density lower of options – a mix This is where challenge. and cars “Google” share, car to bicycles from Boston’s like transport demand responsive – is of minibuses system “BRIDJ” new rail with improved needed. In combination these options bus networks, and express parking traffic, reduce significantly can and oil consumption, energy requirements, example, For gas emissions. and greenhouse of the parking up one-tenth take bicycles of cars, space one-fifth of the road and space could car” “Google automated a single while automobiles, private ten the need for remove and enabling cheaper housing saving space, our growing mobility options for providing army of older Australians.

www.gta.com.au government and public sector transport planning and advisory randwick urban activation precinct sydney CBD and southeast light rail on mass transit for trips to major centres. centres. major trips to for transit on mass implying a much greater reliance in the future in the future reliance much greater a implying beginning to use space more intensively, intensively, more use space beginning to decades of declining density, Sydney is now of declining density, Sydney decades car-based models of the last 60 years. After 60 years. models of the last car-based unsustainable and increasingly uneconomical uneconomical and increasingly unsustainable Sydney’s future growth cannot be based on the cannot growth future Sydney’s car-based transport in the 20th century. in the 20th century. transport car-based late 19th century, but then expanded around around but then expanded century, 19th late cities, Sydney was developed around rail in the rail around was developed cities, Sydney future of transport and our cities. Like many and our cities. Like of transport future This leads us to the final question – on the the final question us to This leads vitality. environmental sustainability and economic and economic sustainability environmental that will markedly improve social equity, improve that will markedly a transport system and land use pattern and land use pattern system a transport Sydney for the next 50 years and beyond with and beyond 50 years the next for Sydney visionary thinking, aimed at positioning to Badgerys Creek airport. This is truly airport. This is truly Creek Badgerys to rail linking both the CBD and Parramatta both the CBD and Parramatta linking rail freight routes, and incorporate high-speed and incorporate routes, freight expand the metro network, add key rail rail add key network, the metro expand universities, and hospitals. Further stages stages Further and hospitals. universities, city’s major commercial and retail centres, centres, and retail major commercial city’s commencing with a “Metro Circle” linking the Circle” with a “Metro commencing He proposes a staged plan for Sydney, Sydney, plan for a staged He proposes but also positively shapes a better city. city. shapes a better but also positively which not only responds to unmet demand to responds which not only argues for “transformational” infrastructure, infrastructure, “transformational” for argues Looking further into the future, Rod Simpson the future, Looking further into planning and urban renewal. reform of the powers of local government in government of local of the powers reform Government involvement in our cities, and for in our cities, and for involvement Government capture mechanisms, for greater Federal Federal greater for mechanisms, capture advocate new funding options such as value funding options such as value new advocate Joe makes a passionate call for planners to to planners for call a passionate Joe makes Langley discusses infrastructure funding. funding. infrastructure discusses Langley appreciation of its scope and role, and Joe and role, of its scope appreciation of social infrastructure, arguing for a wider a for arguing of social infrastructure, Alison Ziller explores the important issue issue important the explores Alison Ziller meaningfully in the planning process. in the planning meaningfully need to involve the community much more much more the community involve need to to community engagement, arguing that we that we arguing engagement, community to Stewart critiques the current approaches approaches current critiques the Stewart still far from world’s best practice. Laura Laura practice. best world’s from far still master plans is to be commended, we are are we be commended, plans is to master the development of the State’s transport transport of the State’s the development While the level of public involvement in involvement of public the level While President’s Message

David Ryan MPIA CPP, PIA NSW President

I recently had the pleasure of attending an The NSW election has now passed with the re-election of the Coalition industry lunch addressed by the head of Government and I look forward to PIA’s continuing strong engagement Infrastructure NSW, Graham Bradley. I was with the new Ministerial team on the important planning issues facing impressed with INSW’s professional and rigorous approach to its recommendations to the State. The timely delivery of infrastructure to match significant government on infrastructure prioritisation. forecast growth will be key. I hope this rigour flows through to land use and infrastructure co-ordination at the subregional planning level – the phase we I have written to congratulate the new Planning is too important to the economic, are now entering into following the release of Minister for Planning, Hon. Rob Stokes, social and environmental performance of the A Plan for Growing Sydney. and Assistant Planning Minister, Hon. Mark State to be allowed to languish. Another pre-election announcement that Speakman, on their appointments to these we await with anticipation is the roll-out challenging roles. Planning in NSW seems to have been in a holding pattern since the stalling of the of the Greater Sydney Commission. Based Minister Stokes has been a great supporter Planning Bill in the Parliament in December on the number of mentions in A Plan for of PIA, having addressed our conferences, 2013. I think there has been widespread Growing Sydney, there appear to be a lot including our most recent in the Hunter anticipation (or at least hope) that once the of expectations placed on the Commission Valley. Having authored numerous articles election was out of the way, there would to resolve many of Sydney’s planning and academic papers on the subject of be a flurry of activity in planning policy and problems. I hope that it can live up to these planning, and following his stint as Assistant governance. expectations and not just add another layer Planning Minister, he has a very strong and of bureaucracy. In light of this concern, PIA impressive background for this role. Some announcements were made in the has called for a ‘root and branch’ review of lead up to the election, including significant governance in all facets of planning in NSW. PIA’s NSW Executive Committee and I look expenditure promises on infrastructure. As part of this, we wait with interest to see forward to meeting with the Minister in the Regardless of where one stands on the issue what the future holds for the highly charged near future to discuss the priority issues of electricity privatisation, a major injection issue of local government reform. for planning over the next four years, as of capital expenditure on infrastructure articulated in PIA’s pre-election manifesto, is much needed across metropolitan and So much to be done – let’s hope that it’s “Better Planning for Growth”. regional areas. In particular, PIA has been done well! As always, PIA will be strongly The Minister has a tremendous opportunity calling for significant spending on public advocating to improve and strengthen the to shape planning in NSW and I hope he transport infrastructure to cater for the planning system for its participants and the takes a bold approach to its transformation. forecast population growth in NSW. NSW community Q

6 | JUNE 2015 | newplanner Executive Officer’s Report editorial Maurene Horder, PIA NSW Executive Officer

Our education and professional The PIA NSW Division has been involved in a range of interesting development program, showcasing new activities during the first half of this year. During the recent State and improved formats, has got off to a good election, for example, we were able to advance the position and start. This has included webinars and the planning reform series, as well as the more views of planners, and hear from politicians at key PIA events, familiar toolbox series. including our annual Planner’s Dinner. The recent presentation of PIA Fellow and Life Fellow lapel pins was a historic event. It was great to see so many of our elevated members in one location, sharing stories – new and old – and discussing the future of planning in NSW. Plans are progressing for another state conference to be held in Sydney this year. The conference theme is ‘Planning to Manage Change’ and all members are encouraged to attend this exciting event in September. We have just opened the 2015 NSW Awards for Planning Excellence and are looking forward to a good response from across the state. The Awards are a timely opportunity to recognise innovation, leadership and excellence in the planning profession, and to emphasise the importance of good planning to communities throughout NSW Q PIA’s NSW Life Fellows pictured with Brendan Nelson, PIA National President, and David Ryan, PIA NSW President, at the recent pin ceremony at Doltone House, Hyde Park

NSW Environment and planning team Norton Rose Fulbright Australia

Jacinta Studdert Felicity Rourke Noni Shannon Partner, Sydney Partner, Sydney Partner, Sydney Tel +61 2 9330 8500 Tel +61 2 9330 8665 Tel +61 2 9330 8346 jacinta.studdert@ felicity.rourke@ noni.shannon@ nortonrosefulbright.com nortonrosefulbright.com nortonrosefulbright.com

Law around the world

nortonrosefulbright.com NRF18506

newplanner | JUNE 2015 | 7 8 | DECEMBER 2014 | newplanner review

| JUNE 2015 | 9 planner (Draft Guide). (Draft new Q to rely on the ceiling height ‘Rules of height ‘Rules on the ceiling rely to align do not precisely they Thumb’ where with the language used in Clause 30A. refused’ requirement of clause 30A requirement refused’ the minimum engaged where is only specified in areas and external internal what with, despite complied are the Table of Thumb; and in the Rules appears development by extrapolation, it may also be unsafe it may also be unsafe by extrapolation, for apartment sizes, the ‘cannot be be apartment sizes, the ‘cannot for improving the design of residential flat Apartment Design Guide – Tools for The reforms propose to expand the scope the scope expand to propose The reforms of include the provision of clause 30A to that Guide proposes parking. The Draft car parking car provide to the requirement and, in some reduced will be significantly proposed for removed circumstances, within the vicinity of located developments stations. and light rail railway opportunity the Guide introduces The Draft one of the provide to developers for as an solutions’ specified ‘acceptable ‘performance the relevant to alternative solutions’ These ‘acceptable criteria’. of Thumb’. It will the ‘Rules will replace that ensure to be necessary therefore to intended parking ‘standard’ the car in language is expressed be adopted aligns with clause 30A, which precisely as amended, and identifies whether the capture to of clause 30A is intended scope which satisfies ‘acceptable development solutions’ • 65 and to SEPP reforms Implications for of car parking near railway the provision stations and light rail 2014, the NSW Government In September major for a proposal announced SEPP 65, including amendments to draft the RFDC with a proposed replacing Clause 30A, the Rule of Thumb cannot be be of Thumb cannot Clause 30A, the Rule upon. relied sets two clause 30A only Currently, height. apartment size and ceiling standards: Case: of the Botany the rationale Applying •

Associate, Norton Rose Fulbright Australia Australia Rose Fulbright Norton Associate, (SEPP 65). external area for the relevant apartment the relevant for area external type set out the RFDC, then apartment area of refusal for be used as a reason cannot application. the development for the RFDC, the standards to Turning apartment and external minimum internal Immediately set out in a table. are areas of a number of ‘Rules are the Table below apartments which, in relation Thumb’ for “as a guide” sizes, reproduce apartment to the Affordable from suggestions certain Housing Service. Case was in the Botany in dispute The issue minimum apartment whether the relevant the purpose of be applied for to areas whether clause 30A of the determining in those listed SEPP was engaged, were and internal to (which referred the Table or those in apartment areas) external of Thumb (which did not and the Rules smaller for allowed which, in some cases, Justice apartment sizes than the Table). Sheahan held that the apartment areas the relevant were in the Table contained of clause 30A, the purpose for standards specifically noting that clause 30A refers and that areas and external” “internal to and not set out in the Table only these were of Thumb. in the Rules Analysis and broader implications and broader Analysis that it is Case demonstrates The Botany whether the relevant test to necessary with directly of Thumb corresponds Rule the language used in clause 30A of SEPP of the language in the Rule 65. If, as here, with correspond Thumb does not precisely Rosemary Bullmore, Rosemary State Environmental Planning Policy No. 65 Planning Policy State Environmental [2015] NSWLEC Partner and Partner

Development Pty Ltd (No 2) Jacinta Studdert, Partner Partner Rourke, Felicity Noni Shannon, Partner

Felicity Rourke, Rourke, Felicity Norton Rose Fulbright Review Rose Fulbright Norton sizes apartment for of Thumb’ the ‘Rules Design Code: Flat NSW Residential Botany Bay City Council v Botany than the recommended internal area and area internal than the recommended RFDC. or greater each apartment that is equal to certain minimum standards specified in the minimum standards certain for area includes a proposed application development in question meets or exceeds meets or exceeds in question development that, if a development of SEPP 65 provides residential flat development where the where flat development residential Clause 30A “apartment area”. applied to development application for carrying out carrying for application development standard Case, the relevant In the Botany a consent authority must not refuse a not refuse authority must a consent standards Minimum apartment area Clause 30A of SEPP 65 provides that Clause 30A of SEPP 65 provides modifications of those applications. of those applications. modifications for residential flat development and flat development residential for when assessing development applications applications development when assessing must be considered by a consent authority by a consent be considered must under SEPP 65. The provisions of SEPP 65 of SEPP under SEPP 65. The provisions in NSW. The RFDC is afforded legal weight weight legal The RFDC is afforded in NSW. provisions for residential flat development flat development residential for provisions The RFDC contains detailed design design detailed The RFDC contains Background and statutory context and statutory Background relevant minimum standard. minimum standard. relevant in the RFDC could not be relied upon as the not be relied in the RFDC could ‘Rules of Thumb’ for apartment size set out of Thumb’ for ‘Rules of those apartment areas. However, the However, of those apartment areas. (RFDC) cannot be refused on the basis be refused (RFDC) cannot out in the Residential Flat Design Code internal and external apartment areas set apartment areas and external internal apartment areas which meet the minimum which meet the minimum apartment areas that a development application proposing proposing application that a development J on 9 April 2015. The decision confirms J on 9 April 2015. The decision confirms 55 (Botany Case) was decided by Sheahan 55 (Botany

(Design Quality of Residential Flat Development) the proposed reforms to to reforms the proposed of Thumb’ established under the Code and how that may impact under the Code and how of Thumb’ established the broader implications in terms of the relevance of the ‘Rules of the ‘Rules of the relevance in terms implications the broader development application from refusal. In this update we examine examine we In this update refusal. from application development as set out in the Residential Flat Design Code, did not protect a Code, did not protect as set out in the Residential Flat Design that compliance with the ‘Rules of Thumb’ for apartment sizes, of Thumb’ for with the ‘Rules that compliance A recent decision of the NSW Land & Environment Court has held decision of the NSW Land & Environment A recent Light rail for a dense city

Anthony Mifsud, Transport Policy Manager, City of Sydney

Bordeaux – was simply that high capacity The City of Sydney has been a strong advocate for light rail, and transport could be part of the surface is now, uniquely for a NSW council, contributing to the funding of fabric of the city, not always buried, fenced the City and South East Light Rail. This article explains the City’s or elevated. aspirations for George Street, and beyond. Since 2008, the City of Sydney has argued strongly that George Street is the right corridor for a modern tramway. Only on The post-war years were not kind to The Nantes tramway, opened just George Street can a public transport George Street. As elegant landmarks fell over thirty years ago on France’s project transform what is now a main road to bulldozers, their high-rise replacements Atlantic coast, boasted no particular into a genuine civic street. turned inwards and away from the street, technological innovation. And yet it was With $220m of Council money on the table, seeking respite from growing vehicle and the beginning of a new way of thinking the City put forward a strong design vision. bus traffic. Today, pedestrians are confined about surface transport in those cities Generous and uncluttered, it introduces to narrow footpaths, with few spaces to that had abandoned their first-generation distinctive street trees, lighter paving, pause, to sit, or to escape the noise. tramways. The idea rediscovered in Nantes new public furniture and lighting tailored But it need not be this way. – and perfected later in Strasbourg and to pedestrians. Informed by precedents

An illustration of George Street with light rail, showing the uncluttered pedestrian environment (Source: City of Sydney)

10 | JUNE 2015 | newplanner in Europe and elsewhere, the step-free design is practical, safe and beautiful. Like its contemporaries in Europe and North America, the project includes a number of public art installations. When feature the first trams roll down George Street in 2019, they will pass beneath the most prominent of them, Junya Ishigami’s Cloud Arch at Sydney Town Hall. Is the George Street and South East line the start of a larger inner-city network? Sydney is dotted with reminders of abandoned or extravagantly delayed rail extensions. But transport must ultimately follow population, and inner Sydney is booming. In nine of the last ten years, more new dwellings have been constructed in the City of Sydney than in any other metropolitan municipality. Over this time neighbourhoods such as Rushcutters Bay, Potts Point and Darlinghurst have each seen hundreds of new apartments. Elsewhere – in Zetland, Rosebery, Alexandria, Waterloo, Chippendale, Ultimo and Glebe – they number in the thousands. Of all the potential light rail corridors, none have the intensity of land use, or the rate of growth, as Green Square. Yet the case for light rail is too often dismissed: Green Square has a heavy rail station already, doesn’t it? The Green Square Town Centre is a project of some 3,000 apartments and 20,000 jobs. As significant as the Town Centre An aerial view of part of the Green Square Urban Renewal area. Almost all of the industrial land in this is, it isn’t all – or even most – of ‘Green view is subject to imminent residential redevelopment (Source: City of Sydney) Square’. The Centre will house only one in north of the renewal area will be beyond to an interchange at Museum Station. Not nine residents living in the declared Green the walking catchment of Green Square only would the revival of this corridor be Square Urban Renewal Area. railway station. Given that increased welcomed by local traders and residents, The remainder of this population is bus services have failed to keep pace, but it would also serve as a ‘relief’ line to distributed – densely – across 2.8km2 of the resulting in severe overcrowding, and unit the City’s south east, freeing up capacity for Green Square Urban Renewal Area. The construction continues apace, light rail is the network to absorb trams from a Green area, incorporating most of Zetland, and an obvious choice: a corridor of only 4.5km Square or Parramatta Road corridor – and, parts of Waterloo, Alexandria, Beaconsfield could see peak line loads in excess of 3,000 indeed, to accommodate further southern and Rosebery, is Australia’s largest and passengers per hour. There is no shortage extensions along Anzac Parade. densest urban renewal precinct, averaging of demand. 19,000 people per square kilometre, Ultimately, Sydney will need more than one New (or extended) light rail services, be they with some neighbourhoods exceeding tram corridor, as it has in the past. The from Parramatta Road, Maroubra or Green 30,000p/km2. This density exceeds that transformation of George Street should Square, will inevitably face the capacity limits of Kings Cross or Pyrmont by a factor of demonstrate just how much more is of the George Street corridor. One obvious two and is much larger in scale. possible Q solution would be to restore the Oxford and State and City transport plans have long Flinders Street corridor from Moore Park Anthony Mifsud is the manager of transport recognised that residents in the east and to central Sydney – perhaps initially only policy at the City of Sydney.

newplanner | JUNE 2015 | 11 Transport planning to get ahead of the rail corridor curve

Liz Develin, Deputy Secretary – Growth Design & Programs, NSW Department of Planning and Environment

and make the most of the opportunity Planning transport corridors must go hand in hand with the to provide more jobs closer to homes, process of planning the communities that will sit alongside along with the necessary infrastructure, them. The NSW Department of Planning and Environment takes restaurant, shops, cafés and parks that locals want. this approach to ensure we have the right frameworks to create vibrant neighbourhoods with the shops, parks and transport that We’re working closely with Campbelltown City Council to answer important communities need. questions like: • What infrastructure is required to unlock Informed and coordinated planning will homes, schools, parks and other services potential of the corridor? be required in order to make the most that the communities along the train line • What is the role and vision for each of Sydney’s potential and to create new will need in the future. precinct? communities that people will want to From a planning perspective, the areas • What type of development is call home. around each station will generate interest economically feasible? Over the past few years, the Department from home buyers and renters who want The local community will have an of Planning and Environment has been to live close to convenient and accessible opportunity to help us shape the future of working in tandem with other agencies public transport. By 2036, it is expected the corridor through a community survey like Transport for NSW (TfNSW) to take that more than 40 per cent of residents in and public information sessions. a coordinated approach to local and the North West Growth Centre will travel Sydenham to Bankstown Corridor Study state infrastructure provision, in order to to the Sydney CBD by public transport in support housing and job supply in Sydney’s the morning peak period. The other key project is the Sydenham key growth areas. to Bankstown Corridor Study, which will The North West Rail Link Corridor build on the potential of the proposed In 2013, the Department and TfNSW Strategy and strategic planning for this Sydney Rapid Transit project. released the North West Rail Link Corridor area provided a strong evidence base Strategy to guide the development of new to inform the 2014 declaration of the Subject to government and planning transit oriented communities close to the Showground, Bella Vista and Kellyville approvals, this transformational public new stations over the next 25 years. precincts as Priority Precincts, following transport initiative will extend from the Hills Shire Council’s unanimous the end of the North West Rail Link North West Rail Link station precincts support for the Strategy. at Chatswood under Sydney Harbour, The North West Rail Link project forges through new stations in the CBD, and west The vision and community needs for each a new 36 kilometre rapid transit railway to Bankstown, with capacity to run up to 30 precinct have been informed by extensive line from Chatswood to Rouse Hill and trains per hour in each direction through stakeholder feedback via local community beyond. It includes a 15 kilometre tunnel the Sydney CBD. meetings, and online and telephone between Epping and Bella Vista, and aims surveys, in close collaboration with Hills These projects will collect the evidence to prepare for one of the largest areas of Shire Council. and information we need to support and train customer growth over the next 20 deliver a strategic framework for urban years. A Plan for Growing Sydney builds on this renewal. Eventually this will help us make approach. It outlines two further strategic When the line opens in 2019, eight new the most of the infrastructure investment planning projects that integrate land use railway stations will provide rail access to and unlock the potential of what will planning especially around transport more than 300,000 residents living from become some of the most strategically corridors and identifies opportunities to important transport corridors in the Cherrybrook to the North West, where revitalise areas around train stations. the last station at Cudgegong Road is country Q situated. Glenfield to Macarthur Priority Urban Liz Develin’s experience spans across a Renewal Corridor Project As the country’s largest public transport number of NSW government agencies, infrastructure project, it makes sense to The Glenfield to Macarthur Priority Urban and the not-for-profit and academic ensure other government agencies work Renewal Corridor Project will build on sectors, with much of her career focusing together to coordinate the delivery of Campbelltown’s status as a regional city on public health policy.

12 | JUNE 2015 | newplanner How local urban planning makes carsharing work

Jennifer Kent, Research Fellow, Faculty of Architecture, Design and Planning, University of Sydney and Robyn Dowling, Head, Department of Geography and Planning, Macquarie University feature

Carsharing programs demonstrate some success in challenging private car use by reducing private car ownership and personal vehicle kilometres travelled by private car. The City of Sydney has a target of 10 per cent of households becoming members of a carsharing provider by 2016. The relationship between what local urban planners ‘do’ and carsharing has, to date, been relatively informal and undocumented. Yet, urban planning will be integral to the ongoing success of carsharing.

What is carsharing? to the place where the car is kept when it is immobile. Carsharing relies on the Carsharing is a broad concept that guarantee of parking space. The localities encompasses a variety of different in which carsharing has flourished – well- business and operational models, serviced by public and active transport including peer-to-peer, one-way, or infrastructure, and with high residential schemes affiliated with a specific public densities – are also characterised by parking Rock star parking for carsharing transport network. In Australia, carsharing congestion. The streets where carsharing (Source: Susan Thompson, 2014) is most frequently a for-profit service that is likely to be successful are therefore also provides members with access to a fleet of concession is usually applied to large-scale those where parking is hotly contested. The vehicles – though peer-to-peer services, residential developments where on-street attractiveness of carsharing is subsequently such as Car Next Door, are emerging. parking is particularly constrained and the heightened through the allocation of Australia’s first carsharing service, GoGet, level of service provided by surrounding reserved parking space for carsharing started in Newtown in late 2002.1 public transport networks is superior. vehicles (see image). As the gatekeepers to Carsharing and urban planning parking policy, planners exert substantial Thus, we see that the success of carsharing influence over carsharing’s success. rests not on the regulation of the vehicle, The practice of urban planning comes but on the humble parking space. Yet into contact with carsharing in two main How are we planning for carsharing in parking space is land, and its requirement ways. First, carsharing’s success is Australia? places carsharing in the middle of well- largely dependent on its relationship to Local governments in areas where established battles over space and power. public transport and road networks, as carsharing is popular generally maintain a Local government policies and plans for well as land-use patterns. Carsharing carsharing policy – primarily, to regulate the carsharing provide an invaluable source complements other alternatives to the provision of car parking space for carsharing of support for the nascent carsharing privately-owned automobile. It is only cars. These policies allow carsharing industry. It is somewhat inspiring that a financially viable in areas where public companies to apply for dedicated parking local council will bravely defend the shared transport, walking and cycling are feasible space, outline a hierarchy of where space car’s right to space in the heated arena options for day-to-day travel. Higher should be provided and detail conditions that is car parking – and in doing so, make residential and commercial densities, a that need to be met subsequent to space possible a sustainable mode of transport Q good pedestrian and cycling environment, provision. It is also increasingly common a mix of uses and reliable public transport Dr Jennifer Kent is an urban planner and to see provisions for carsharing parking networks all help carsharing to succeed. postdoctoral research fellow at the Faculty spaces in development controls, requiring Planning for these infrastructures and of Architecture, Design and Planning, allocated parking spaces for carsharing urban form outcomes is therefore also University of Sydney. Professor Robyn vehicles in certain development types. In planning for carsharing. It is increasingly Dowling is an urban geographer and head addition, carsharing parking is sometimes common to see this articulated of the new Department of Planning and used in flexible parking provisions, where internationally in strategic plans.2 Geography at Macquarie University. the allocation of dedicated carsharing space The other key space in which planning and is accepted as a concession for any shortfall Endnotes 1 See: www.goget.com.au carsharing regularly connect is also not in the development’s compliance with other 2 See, for example, The London Plan (March 2015), related to the mobile shared car but instead specified parking requirements. This form of Chapter 6.

newplanner | JUNE 2015 | 13 Integrated service planning for public transport in Sydney – strategy becoming reality Daniel Cavallo MPIA CPP, Principal Manager, Integrated Service Planning, Transport for NSW

wharf infrastructure. An integrated Transport for NSW (TfNSW) was established in November 2011 as the approach was undertaken by matching integrated transport authority for NSW. An important role of the transport service levels with customer demand, agency is the planning and delivery of public transport services. To prioritising connections between bus and ferries at selected wharves, supporting assist, a new function was established in TfNSW – integrated service urban development at key locations on the planning – which provides the mechanism to translate strategic plans Parramatta River and at Barangaroo, and into operational plans for the short and medium term delivery of public identifying new service offerings to meet commuter and leisure needs. transport services and their supporting infrastructure and systems. The use of integrated planning has supported a number of service delivery Integrated service planning brings together management, and service optimisation and initiatives for the Sydney Ferries network, requirements for individual public transport improvement. including: systems with land use and infrastructure. Integrated planning for the Sydney • the introduction of an additional 220 This approach provides an alternative to Ferries network weekly ferry services across the Inner transport mode ‘silos’, better aligning Harbour and Parramatta River; service delivery across public transport with Integrated planning supports the • improved bus connections at key wharves customer demand and available or planned implementation of strategic plans by including Manly, Inner Harbour and infrastructure capacity. It also supports a developing a detailed service plan to meet Parramatta River; sustainable approach in targeting additional customer needs and future demand, as well resources in line with population growth as identifying the necessary infrastructure • wharf upgrades to meet future service across Sydney, as outlined in the NSW and systems required to support the service requirements; Long Term Transport Master Plan and the plan. The task for the Sydney Ferries • the delivery of new Inner Harbour ferries metropolitan strategy, A Plan for Growing network required translating ferry initiatives from 2016; and Sydney. outlined in the NSW Long Term Transport • planning for new Parramatta River Master Plan into short and medium term An integrated service planning framework ferries to align with customer demand improvements. The modal delivery strategy, was developed to conceptualise the and urban development growth. Sydney’s Ferry Future, released in May 2013, application of this function for public proposed a future ferry network for Sydney Customers have responded positively transport services (see Figure 1). The Harbour (see Figure 2) as well as other to improvements on the Sydney Ferries framework comprises three key areas – 1 improvements including modernising and network, with overall satisfaction the integrated planning, growth management, growing the current fleet and upgrading highest of all public transport systems at and service optimisation and improvement 96% in 2014, and with a 10 per cent increase – which are informed by an evidence in passenger boardings in four years from based approach using strategic plans, 14,502,758 in the 2010-11 financial year to customer insights, stakeholder feedback 15,977,360 in the 2013-14 financial year.2 and operational performance indicators. The framework also facilitates a consistent Growth management in South West Sydney service planning approach across public Growth management supports the transport services to promote integration introduction of new and enhanced public and support a connected transport network transport services in key greenfield and for our customers. urban renewal precincts by closely aligning This article outlines three examples where service delivery initiatives with development integrated service planning has been used uptake and major transport investments. by TfNSW to deliver better outcomes in An integrated service planning approach was aligning public transport service delivery used in South West Sydney to support new with customer demand, surrounding land residential areas and provide public transport use and existing or planned infrastructure. connections with the newly opened South The examples are based on the focus areas West Rail Link. In February 2015, a number identified in the integrated service planning of new and enhanced bus services were framework: integrated planning, growth Figure 1: Integrated service planning framework introduced (see Figure 3), including:

14 | JUNE 2015 | newplanner current resources, ensuring value for money if additional resources are required. This approach is supported through the use of service planning guidelines. These provide the foundation for short and feature medium term service planning by TfNSW across government funded bus, ferry, light rail and train services in metropolitan Sydney. The Integrated Public Transport Service Planning Guidelines: Sydney Metropolitan Area covers the following areas: Figure 2: Sydney Ferries future network (Source: Transport for NSW, 2013) • strategic transport planning framework • timed bus connections to the new These new and enhanced bus routes for metropolitan Sydney; stations at Edmondson Park and provide over 890 weekly services to • principles for integrated public transport Leppington on the South West Rail Link; Edmondson Park and Leppington stations. service planning; • new bus route 869, providing access to the train station at Edmondson Park for Informing service optimisation and • integrated and modal public transport Prestons and Edmondson Park; improvement service planning guidance, including service capacity, service coverage, • new bus route 858, providing access to Service optimisation and improvement is a service provision and service the train station at Leppington for Oran planning approach to deliver better public performance; and Park; and transport outcomes for customers through • local connections for existing bus routes analysis of operational performance, options • service planning interfaces, such as 855 and 856 to the train station at testing and service validation. It also identifies interchanges and community transport. Leppington. opportunities for improvements through The guidelines have been used to inform service optimisation and improvement initiatives, including the 2013 Customer Timetable for bus, ferry and light rail services, the ferry network review during 2012-13, and annual service reviews of metropolitan bus services. Since March 2011, the NSW Government has introduced 12,800 extra weekly public transport services. Planning for the future A solid foundation has been achieved using an integrated service planning framework, but there is more to do. TfNSW will continue to turn strategy into reality by focussing on integrated service planning to support customer demand in key corridors, responding to urban growth in Priority Precincts and Growth Areas, and integrating public transport services with new transport investments, such as the North West Rail Link and CBD and South East Light Rail Q Daniel Cavallo is a planner with experience in transport, infrastructure and land use planning. He has a Bachelor of Planning and a Master of Commerce (International Business), both from the University of NSW, and is also a Certified Practicing Planner. Daniel has been with Transport for NSW since 2012 where he has worked on a number of strategic plans, operational planning initiatives and major transport projects across Sydney. In addition, he has previously lectured for TAFE NSW in the Diploma of Logistics program. Endnotes 1 Transport for NSW 2014, Customer Satisfaction Index 2014, Transport for NSW, Sydney, Australia. 2 See: www.bts.nsw.gov.au/Statistics/Ferry/default.aspx Figure 3: Bus connections to the South West Rail Link (Source: Transport for NSW, 2015) newplanner | JUNE 2015 | 15 Newcastle light rail project: considering future planning implications Darren Holloway MPIA CPP, Principal Planner, Monteath & Powys

The Newcastle Urban Renewal Strategy, the The NSW State Government has recently terminated part of the future Lower Hunter Regional Growth Plan rail line into Newcastle at the western end of the city’s CBD, in and the Newcastle Local Environmental preparation for a light rail system. This article examines some of the Plan (LEP) and Development Control Plan (DCP) need to compliment and support the broad planning implications of the proposed light rail system. proposed light rail route. This will mean fixing mine subsidence issues; using site amalgamations to address historical land- Up until the late twentieth century, heavy connectivity across the rail line, access use patterns that might hinder development rail segmented Newcastle’s CBD into two to the CBD and the economic impacts of from occurring around the light rail distinct halves. The northern half contained a terminating the rail line at the western end stations; clarifying the economic viability working port and the southern half contained of the CBD, as well as the potential for the of development in some areas of the CBD the city’s commercial precinct. In the 1980s, CBD to segment higher- and lower-grade (particularly the east end); ensuring that the disused industrial and port areas to office space on either side of the rail line. the north of the rail line were transformed the interchange from heavy rail to light rail into a modern commercial, residential Opinion has been divided regarding the is seamless; and reducing the current high and entertainment precinct, known as advantages and disadvantages of removing level of car use for travel to the CBD. the rail line in the CBD. Some believe the Honeysuckle. As the Honeysuckle precinct While light rail may help to revitalise proposed light rail will drive economic developed, Newcastle’s CBD expanded Newcastle’s CBD, it will not be able to renew development and urban renewal in the northwards, creating a more diverse mix of the city on its own. Organisations such as CBD, whereas others are concerned about uses on either side of the rail line. the Hunter Development Corporation and how commuters from Maitland and the UrbanGrowth NSW will play important roles. The NSW state government has recently Central Coast, who contribute a significant And all levels of government will need to terminated the heavy rail line at Wickham (at proportion of trips into the CBD, will be participate in the renewal process if it is to the western edge of the CBD) and proposed affected if the heavy rail line is removed. a light rail system that will transport people be successful. The state government argues that ‘light from Wickham to the eastern extremities The debate in Newcastle about the pros rail will help to drive the renewal of the of the CBD and foreshore/beach areas. The and cons of light rail has raised a number city centre, creating a diverse, vibrant and proposed light rail is approximately three of issues, and in this short article it is attractive place for local and visitors’.1 kilometres in length, with five stations. difficult to do justice to this debate and the Truncating the heavy rail line has been Evidence from other countries, particularly complementary polices that are needed discussed for many years and raised by the US, has identified that light rail systems to ensure the successful renewal of the numerous state governments. Various generate significant economic benefits CBD. Light rail is unlikely to serve as a options for the rail corridor have been when they are supplemented by policies and renewal tool for the Newcastle CBD without canvassed during this time, including land-use strategies. However, in the case complementary policies and plans – and the burying the rail line and removing it of Newcastle, such policies and strategies resources needed for their implementation Q altogether. Key issues have included appear to be lacking. Darren Holloway is a Principal Planner with Monteath & Powys. He has over 15 years’ experience in statutory and strategic planning in both the public and private sectors. Darren has managed planning and environmental approvals for residential, aged care, tourism and industrial developments, and has undertaken planning and environmental approval works in mining, coal seam gas, wind farms and infrastructure projects. Darren is also a Certified Practising Planner. Endnotes 1 NSW Government 2014, Revitalising Newcastle: Light Rail from Wickham to the Beach, NSW Government, The existing heavy rail line in Newcastle (Source: Ashleigh Ryan, 2013) Sydney. 16 | JUNE 2015 | newplanner Social infrastructure and A Plan for Growing Sydney

Alison Ziller, Director, Australia Street Company opinion

more socio-economically advantaged When planners refer to social infrastructure, they invariably mean parts of the metropolitan area, most buildings or facilities and write as if this definition is uncontested. But manufacturing jobs will be in the less- many other professions treat social infrastructure in broader terms. advantaged parts (see Figures 15 and 18 in the Plan). New housing is to be Using a broader definition, it becomes apparent that planners are concentrated in Priority Precincts and often engaging with social infrastructure without acknowledging it. strategic centres (Actions 2.1.2 and 2.2.2), and thus the Plan proposes and endorses a metropolis spatially segregated by The recently released metropolitan with the phrase, ‘The government housing type as well as job type and strategy, A Plan For Growing Sydney will…’ or some variant thereof. This income. (2014), provides a clear example. seems to be because many actions fall The Plan frequently refers to ‘social outside the Department of Planning and These segregations are major public infrastructure’ without specification Environment’s remit, and require the health inputs, but their importance is or examples, assuming that readers establishment of the Greater Sydney overlooked in the Plan. This article is not know what social infrastructure is. Commission – to assist sub-regional arguing that sports facilities and medical When examples are given, a small list implementation of the Government’s vision services are not needed – but rather that is repeated several times – primarily, and ‘make sure’ it happens. there is no sign that they remedy the gross education and medical facilities, public health impacts of spatial income The actual role of this Plan is to provide a childcare centres, recreation facilities, segregation. I can think of no valid reason set of permissions. The Plan establishes and parks and open spaces. Although for failing to consider the Plan’s impacts two permissions structures. The first it is implied that these facilities will on public health in terms of these social is the assistance and enforcement host relevant services, the services infrastructure dimensions – after all, (governance) structure of sub-regional themselves are rarely mentioned. protection of public health is one of the partnerships and the Greater Sydney reasons that town planning exists. It is concerning that the meaning of social Commission; the second is the infrastructure is taken for granted in permissions themselves. Spatial segregation of metropolitan areas the Plan, particularly when given such is a major challenge but today’s planners Local permissions are expected to put a limited meaning. Social infrastructure have some advantages. Ease of mapping broad-scale aims into local effect. Some need not be limited to built form. Non- Census, health and similar data provides of these broad aims have been mapped built forms of social infrastructure include planners with the evidence needed to and have a clear social geography. social structures, such as social class, make the case for spatial social equity and These permissions are a form of social networks and interest groups as give renewed energy to the public health social infrastructure – not because the well as those established by institutions, issues on which the profession is based Q Department has mapped how hospitals, such as hierarchies of governance. These schools, childcare centres and swimming structures, which underpin society, are Alison Ziller is Director of Australia pools should be distributed across the forms of infrastructure.1 Street Company. She is a Lecturer in metropolitan area (indeed it has avoided Social Impact Assessment at Macquarie Another issue is that other forms of this task) but because it has mapped University and teaches Social Planning at infrastructure mentioned in the Plan – how jobs and housing – two primary UNSW Australia. She is the author of The such as jobs, houses and the transport forms of social infrastructure – should be New Social Impact Assessment Handbook systems to get people from one to the permitted to be distributed. and editor of the Social Impacts Alert!, other – are not regarded as ‘social’. Further, the permissions infrastructure a monthly online alert service (www. However, offices, houses and railways is described without an accompanying newsocialimpact.com.au). are no less social infrastructure than social impact assessment of the hospitals or schools. In the Plan, social Endnotes proposed geography, notwithstanding infrastructure has been consigned not 1 While sometimes called ‘soft infrastructure’, they are the distributional inequities proposed. only to built form, but also to a narrow infrastructure nonetheless. See, for example, Casey, S This is a startling oversight given the 2015, Establishing standards for social infrastructure, range of built works. abundant evidence of the adverse public University of Queensland, Ipswich. 2 This classification of infrastructure is not health impacts of spatial segregation by See, for example, the Centre of Full Employment and Equity, Employment Vulnerability Index for Australian helped by confusion about who owns the income.2 For example, while knowledge SA2s –Edition 2011. Plan. All of the Plan’s actions commence and IT work is to be distributed in the

newplanner | JUNE 2015 | 17 Transformational infrastructure: remaking the city and questioning current practice Roderick Simpson MPIA, Associate Professor and Director of Urban Design and Urbanism Programs, Faculty of Architecture, Design and Planning, University of Sydney

The massive WestConnex road project Sydney is about to commence $50 billion of transport infrastructure aims to address capacity constraints investment – ranging from motorways and metros to light rail, airports around Sydney Airport and Port Botany, yet and intermodal terminals – in response to current capacity and the development of Badgerys Creek Airport and the emerging rail freight network congestion concerns. However, there is no evidence that these projects could provide an alternative solution. have been properly integrated or will make Sydney a better city. Parramatta is proposed as the Sydney’s second CBD, and significant development My aim is to outline an alternative approach interventions available to government and is possible around Camellia, Olympic to the structure of the city, starting with the are such strong shapers of the city. Park and the Parramatta Road corridor. idea of ‘one city’ centred on a ‘metro circle’ Government commitment and private Few people would argue with the four line, and extending this to form a network sector interest in light rail3 to improve principal goals of the current metropolitan that will enhance accessibility across the access is likely to need a high capacity plan for Sydney.1 The reformulation of region and beyond, providing a lasting metro service, given the amount of these goals as ‘problems’, and their development that could occur (see Figure solution to our geographically divided and proposed solutions, are now matters of 1). However, the West Metro, which was constrained city. urgency and some alarm.2 proposed some years ago and would The problem While currently proposed transport facilitate these shifts in land use and A fundamental tenet of planning is that projects aim to address well-known employment in the region, does not appear social, economic and environmental problems with our roads, rail, airports and in the Metropolitan Transport Plan. conditions can be maintained or improved ports, these have been largely developed Despite several Federal Government through the spatial organisation of the city. in the absence of a broad consensus studies into high speed rail (HSR), there Most of the investment in city making is by around what our city should look like in appears to be no real understanding at the private sector, industry or local citizens, the future, and do not appear to have Federal or State level of the more realistic and is strongly influenced by decisions considered the transformative potential of approaches to introducing this technology about the location of major institutions, Badgerys Creek Airport. and integrating it with existing rail airports, universities, hospitals and For example, projects proposed prior to networks as well as airports, as has been transport. These infrastructure decisions the announcement of the Airport (e.g. the the case elsewhere and suggested by non- are critical because they are the only direct Moorebank Intermodal) are still progressing. government actors.4 The problem with augmentation is that while it may appear to build on strengths, it may also further embed inequities and imbalances – that is, in addressing a short-term problem, we may exacerbate the problem in the longer term. Every piece of major infrastructure should take into account its potential to ‘transform’ or reshape the city, but to do that, there must be a clear, future-oriented vision for Sydney in the 21st century, and a staged investment strategy to deal with current problems and facilitate the city’s transformation. Without this, there is a real danger that we will simply reinforce the geographic patterns that have produced existing problems. Figure 1: The ‘Olympic Corridor’ light rail proposal by the Westline Partnership (a group of landowners and agencies in Rhodes, Strathfield and Camellia) argued for the accelerated development potential that may be possible with the stimulus of a light rail line and the restructuring of existing industry (Source: Deloitte, Although a holistic understanding of how Restarting Sydney’s Heart, 2015) transport modes interact with land use –

18 | JUNE 2015 | newplanner including the patterns of living that may result – is not straightforward, it is not impossible to achieve. An alternative scenario opinion The ideas that follow are not intended to be the answer or even an answer. My aim is to show that formulation of holistic alternative scenarios and their evaluation could provide the basis for engagement with the public about the sort of city we want. This is not just about transport. A scenario needs to take into account changes in behaviour. We need to recognise the ‘mosaic’ of subcultures and the adaptability of individuals, and allow for such adaptation and difference. So questions of governance, planning and taxation should be considered in concert with physical infrastructure. 1. One city Sydney needs to be seen as an integrated entity. A key to achieving this would be Figure 2: The ‘metro circle’ concept – binding the city together (Source: Roderick Simpson, 2013) to extend the ‘global arc’ to Parramatta and complete a ‘metro circle’ through the 2. Urbanity just need to recognise it and foster it” Olympic corridor, roughly following the Living patterns in the City of Sydney (see Figure 3, showing the proportion of original West Metro alignment. This link and inner suburbs are quite different to residents and jobs that might be part of could accommodate both a fast metro other parts of the city due to the greater this new urbanity). with eight to ten stops serving the key accessibility of services, employment 3. West pole development opportunities along the route, and education. Yet we still encourage car The potential for Badgerys Creek and an express 15 minute non-stop service parking in such locations: 14 storeys of Airport to shift the balance of the entire connecting Parramatta to the centre of underground parking in a development Sydney Region has not been sufficiently Sydney (see Figure 2). The objective would proposed for St Leonards provides just be to spread the ‘agglomeration benefits’ recognised in current metropolitan and one example. The question is whether we of the traditional CBD to a much wider transport plans. The Airport provides the need private cars and car parks in highly region, recognising that innovation and opportunity to ‘move all the pieces on the accessible locations that are dominated ‘spill-over effects’ can be more equitably board’ – including the potential to close or by light rail, bicycles, car share and dispersed if there is efficient transport convert Kingsford Smith Airport (KSA) in Google cars. to overcome spatial separation. The very the longer term – but there is no evidence notion of a ‘central business district’ To quote William Gibson, “the future of this potential having been explored; should be scrapped and replaced by dense, is already here, it is just not evenly Badgerys Creek’s relationship and mixed use ‘urban social districts’. distributed”, to which I would add, “we connection to Parramatta is conspicuously absent from current planning documents (see Figure 4). 4. Emergence We currently have neither the mechanisms nor the culture to achieve a ‘cascading of strategic intent’ from the metropolitan plan to local responses. Each local place should be able to evolve and respond to the changed potential of an area that would result from improved infrastructure in its own way. The principle of subsidiarity should apply – that is, control and decision making should be devolved to the lowest level possible where issues of inefficiency, equitability and conflict are best addressed. The threshold for genuine public consultation and engagement in local planning is around 10,000 people; while it may be 300,000-400,000 people for garbage services, shared procurement, amalgamations, and decisions about Figure 3: Proportion of Sydney’s population in 2011 within easy reach of the metro lines ’planned’ for 2036 rail freight and air transport. As the LEP (BTS projections, 2012) and potential further intensification in low intensity industrial areas. (Source: Roderick Simpson, 2015, using BTS TZN 2011 base) template continues to make contextual newplanner | JUNE 2015 | 19 planning more difficult, the benefits of a uniform approach across the metropolitan area should be questioned. 5. Funding One of the main complaints of communities and businesses about planning changes is the lack of forewarning and the uncertainty this creates for investment. As recommended by the Henry Tax Review, a broad based land tax is potentially the most equitable, efficient and effective form of tax.5 This could be designed to capture the increased value of major infrastructure investment that could be phased in over time – say, a decade – giving all landowners sufficient forewarning, and allowing them to plan for their business and families. A staged approach A staged approach to planning and delivering new infrastructure is needed – one that achieves a vision of a more equitable and accessible city rather than one that simply focuses on fixing current problems. 1. Metro circle Figure 4: Long term downgrading of Kingsford Smith Airport, relocated Bankstown Airport, relocated The second harbour rail crossing – a Moorebank Intermodal to form an expanded Western Sydney Intermodal and establishment of a western current Government commitment – will freight rail corridor (Source: Roderick Simpson, 2015) provide the capacity for up to two metro lines south of the Harbour. The Bankstown in (car-free) residential which does not 3. Metro to Badgerys line is planned to be converted to “rapid simultaneously ‘displace commercial’. Current planning suggests a continuation transit”. Neither initiative adds a new rail It would effectively extend the city core to of the South West line to St Marys. An corridor, nor addresses the need to link the entire ring. 7.5 per cent of the total additional long-term option would be to Parramatta to the CBD and harness the resident metro population of 6,250,000 are have a metro service connecting Badgerys potential of the Camellia–Olympic Park– expected to live within walking distance Creek to Parramatta on a more direct Parramatta Road corridor. of the circle in 2036.6 Modelling for the route. Trips of 15 minutes to Parramatta Olympic Corridor shows that this could be and 30 minutes to Martin Place would then The ‘metro circle’ modifies the current be possible, further reinforcing Badgerys Sydney Rapid Transit (SRT) plans. It would increased to 10-11 per cent with increased access to other parts of the circle. Creek and Parramatta as employment follow the original West Metro alignment to centres. A metro service is estimated Strathfield, then swing north to Camellia, 2. Metro 8 to be viable once employment density opening up the redevelopment potential The second stage of the ‘metro circle’ reaches 50 jobs/Ha.7 Structuring the of Camellia, Rose Hill and Silverwater. would follow the existing Waterloo Broader Western Sydney Employment It would then be extended, linking alignment to relieve pressure on the Area (BWSEA) to have a high-density Parramatta to the North Shore and the East Hills line. Current plans have the spine of higher-order ‘aeropolis’ business North West Metro. This link could, in the service terminating at Bankstown; services could facilitate such a service. The first instance, duplicate the Carlingford however, the line could continue north alignment should be planned to allow for line, or be in the form of a tunnel from to Regents Park and then join the circle integration of a HSR service. Epping to Westmead. at Camellia, providing counter flow, 4. Freight and more convenient and direct access It should be possible to construct a Easing freight congestion on the to Parramatta for the Bankstown line. double level tunnel (with rail below) even M4 and M5 has been cited as one Closing Bankstown Airport would allow a if WestConnex proceeds. If, on the other of the principal reasons for building direct metro connection to Liverpool. hand, the WestConnex tunnel was planned WestConnex. Improvements to freight for a metro instead, the proposed four- The ‘metro circle’ concept would increase handling processes and infrastructure lane tunnel is unlikely to be much larger access to public transport and reduce at Port Botany have allowed a 40 per than that required for a quadruple track. car-dependency, which, in turn, would cent (1,000,000 TEU)8 rail share to be This would allow an express service from allow very different living patterns. maintained. This highlights whether ALL Martin Place to Parramatta in 15 minutes Running a car is a significant burden for of the containers destined for western – not very different to the 11 minutes it households. In highly accessible locations Sydney (currently the majority of all currently takes to get from Circular Quay to many households make the trade-off of import containers) could be consigned Redfern. Such a fast connection effectively doing without a car. Many more would do to rail for breaking down at the Inland incorporates Parramatta into the Sydney so if public transport were provided as a Intermodal Terminals (IMTs). The rail core; more importantly, it relieves pressure more comprehensive interlinked network, connections to the west should be on the city centre and allows an increase supplemented by car-share. upgraded to form a ‘chain’ of IMTs

20 | JUNE 2015 | newplanner Bankstown.12 This would release about 500hHa of land at KSA and 270Ha at Bankstown (see Figure 5). Conclusion opinion The above scenario is intended to be a conversation starter for formulating alternative comprehensive scenarios for the city to reform the planning system, governance and taxation. And perhaps to question whether WestConnex, the SRT network and Badgerys Creek, as currently planned, hit the mark Q Roderick Simpson is an architect and urban designer, principal of simpson+wilson architecture+urban design, and Director of the Urban Design and Urbanism Programs at the University of Sydney. He has worked for the Commonwealth, and provided consultancy services to State and local governments in planning and urban design. Endnotes 1 NSW Planning & Environment 2014, A Plan for Growing Sydney, NSW Government, Sydney. 2 In response to the hue and cry about the closed processes at Barangaroo, the government seems to have made processes for Darling Harbour, the Bays Precinct, WestConnex and Parramatta Road even less transparent. 3 Deloitte 2015, Restarting Sydney’s Heart: Light Rail the Figure 5: Integrating high speed rail with Badgerys Creek Airport (using metro rail/SRT tunnels) by routing Engine of Change, Deloitte, Sydney. HSR through Central. HSR also acts as a shuttle between Sydney and Parramatta. (Source: Roderick Simpson, 2015) 4 Tipping Point Institute 2012, Liveable Sydney: How Would High-Speed Rail Change Sydney and NSW?, TTPI, Sydney. This report, commissioned by the NSW and Sydney culminating in an enlarged Western 5. Aeropolis and high speed rail Business Chambers, sets out a pragmatic and achievable integration of HSR, existing rail and SRT. Sydney IMT to the north-west of Badgerys Current planning for Badgerys Creek Creek Airport. 5 See: www.taxreview.treasury.gov.au/content/FinalReport. Airport allows for dual 3.7km runways with aspx?doc=html/publications/papers/Final_Report_ As early as 2005 the need for a Western capacity for 80 million passengers, close Part_1/chapter_6.htm 6 Sydney Intermodal at Eastern Creek and a to the current capacity at Heathrow.10 HSR Excluding the Central Coast. could work in concert with the Airport 7 GHD 2013, Broader Western Sydney Employment ‘Western Sydney Freight Line’ to connect Area – Structure Plan, Exhibition Draft, NSW Planning & to the Main Western line was recognised.9 in three ways: as a shuttle to the Sydney Environment, Sydney. The potential for this to incorporate the CBD, by serving regional corridors, and 8 TEU = ‘twenty foot container equivalent unit’ planned 1,700,000 TEU capacity of the by ‘extending’ the city further to Goulburn 9 Freight Infrastructure Advisory Board 2015, Railing (44 minutes), Canberra (56 minutes), the Port Botany’s Containers: Proposals to Ease Pressure Moorebank Intermodal Terminal needs on Sydney’s Roads, NSW Department of Infrastructure, to be investigated, given the synergies Central Coast (23 minutes) and Newcastle Planning and Natural Resources. with Badgerys Creek, the BWSEA, and (34 minutes).11 These services would 10 See: www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/nsw/badgerys- significantly increase the capacity of creek-airport-sydneys-bold-plan-is-taking-wing/story- direct rail and road – M12 –connections fni0cx12-1227304121459 Badgerys Creek as a combined HSR/air that are planned. This would be in lieu 11 Beyond Zero Emissions, Melbourne Energy Institute & of the expensive and disruptive IMT at hub, questioning the continuation of KSA German Aerospace Centre 2014, Zero Carbon Australia: Moorebank, opening the potential for as a full “type 1” airport past 2040. The High Speed Rail, Beyond Zero Emissions, Melbourne. 12 housing for 40,000 residents on riverside seaward end of KSA could be converted The distance between the outer edges of the existing runways at KSA is 1.2km – not much less than the 1.4km land with direct access to Liverpool. to a ‘city airport’, taking the place of length of the longest runway at Bankstown Airport.

newplanner | JUNE 2015 | 21 How to cook a planner

Joe Langley MPIA, Technical Director, Infrastructure Advisory, AECOM

HSR networks, to promote the growth of “I want all of you to get up out of your chairs. I want you to get up second-tier cities.5 In contrast, Australia’s right now and go to the window. Open it, and stick your head out, slower rate of urban growth is taking and yell: I’M AS MAD AS HELL, AND I’M NOT GOING TO TAKE THIS place primarily in existing cities, which ANYMORE!” (Network, 1976) requires reconfiguring the urban footprint, amalgamating key sites and upgrading civil and transport infrastructure constructed in Planners regularly whine about the lack the 1890s. It can be a time consuming and of funding and certainty surrounding expensive process. infrastructure delivery. Infrastructure This challenge becomes all the more funding and delivery, we pout, must formidable when our political leadership surely follow if the vibrant, productive and does not appear to recognise the important sustainable cities we have worked so hard role that modern cities play in the national to conceive are to be realised. Questions and global economies. In addition, the need to be answered about when and how tools at our disposal are inadequate for the genuine planning reforms will help us task at hand, and the infrastructure and deliver our visions. planning reforms needed to fix them are But don’t we have it back to front? Don’t we bogged down in bureaucratic processes and need to break out of the boxes we’ve put (Source: Sascha Burkard/AECOM) election cycle politics. ourselves in – educationally, intellectually compelling; over 80 per cent of Australia’s Funding infrastructure and professionally – about a planner’s role population and GDP comes from our cities. Since Australia can’t match the rate of in city-building? Don’t we need to get mad Despite the significant contribution that growth or scale of infrastructure investment as hell about the state of our cities and cities make, the lack of investment in urban of its Asian neighbours, what can planners demand action, rather than meekly asking transport networks in Australia is a major do to maintain or even improve the questions? drag on the national and NSW economies. competitiveness of our cities? Where is our national and state political A study by the Bureau of Infrastructure The answer to this question lies in reforms leadership? Transport and Regional Economics (BITRE) estimated that the “economically in the ways critical urban infrastructure is If we ever needed a reason for getting unjustifiable” cost of transport congestion planned, procured, funded and delivered. mad as hell about the state of affairs in in Sydney alone was $5.4 billion in 2012.4 Present funding and financing methods in our cities, Treasurer Joe Hockey recently particular will not serve our cities in the Urbanisation is a worldwide phenomenon, provided it when he was quoted as saying future. The need for innovation in these 1 with the fastest growth in cities occurring “cities are not our agenda”. For decades, areas has been urged by numerous publicly among our Asian trading partners. While 50 urban planning has been largely neglected funded studies, reports and commissions 2 per cent of the world’s population resides by the Commonwealth Government, and demonstrated by international in urban areas, this is rapidly changing, straight-jacketed by the State Government, experience. For example: and starved of the funding and governance particularly in Asia. Seven out of 10 cities arrangements needed to effectively plan with over 5 million people are in China, and • BITRE estimates that public investment and build modern, productive cities. China’s biggest cities are growing at 3.9 per in 128 road and rail projects in Australia Planners’ willingness to accept these cent, twice the rate of the rest of the world. returned $2.65 for every $1 invested; restrictions has now reached a crisis point. Among the world’s 100 fastest growing • the Productivity Commission’s 2014 Public Like the proverbial frog in a pot, the heat cities, 66 are in Asia and 33 are in China. Infrastructure report urged governments is slowly rising and the options to escape Because of their faster rates of growth and “to utilise opportunities for users and before we are well and truly cooked are larger scale, Asian cities are expanding other beneficiaries to fund a project fading fast. rapidly in greenfield locations, allowing their before resorting to government funding”;6 According to the World Economic Forum, governments to build at higher densities • the Commonwealth Government’s 2013 “cities are the lifeblood of the global and to provide modern public transport and investigation into HSR on the east coast economy”.3 In 2010, over half of the world’s civil infrastructure. For example, after only of Australia concluded that an integrated population lived in urban areas and 80 per eight years, China has built a 16,000 km urban renewal program around an HSR cent of global GDP was derived from cities. high speed rail (HSR) network, more than station at Sydney’s Central Station could In Australia, the figures are even more the combined total of the rest of the world’s increase public revenues by $6.3 billion 22 | JUNE 2015 | newplanner opinion NSW NSW Q Fit for the Future: , WEF, Geneva. , WEF, Geneva. The Sydney Morning Productivity The Global | JUNE 2015 | 23 , ACIL Tasman, Tasman, , ACIL , 6th April 2015. , 6th April 2015. UK Government, London. UK Government, planner Government Response to No. 72, Australian Government, Government, No. 72, Australian is a Technical Director in new transport infrastructure. arrangements for urban renewal and in improving funding and governance development. He has a special interest , 18th March 2015. 2015. , 18th March commercial property management and transport-land use planning, and planning for urban growth, integrated Australia. Joe’s skills include strategic planning consultancies in the US and and 18 years in major engineering and development and management in the US, new legislation to expand funding and expand to legislation new financing options. 17 years in private sector property for Local Government, is based in Sydney. His career includes Government Review Panel Recommendations, Committee Report: Devolution for England – the Case Infrastructure, Office of Local Government 2014, Government of Local Office duty bonanza’, B 2015, ‘NSW $1bn stamp Woodhead, Communities and Local for of State Secretary Dow, A 2015, ‘City planning “not our jurisdiction”, A 2015, ‘City planning “not our jurisdiction”, Dow, the Commonwealth to exception A notable 2014, Forum Economic World 2012, of Wollongong & University Tasman ACIL See: www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High-speed_rail_ 2014, Commission Productivity AECOM’s Infrastructure Advisory team and NSW Government Response – Independent Local the Communities and Local Government Select Herald Competitiveness Report 2014-15 Commission Inquiry Report Volume 1: Public • agencies Commonwealth and state Third, forms infrastructure implement need to by the Productivity recommended in its 2014 Public Commission Report and by Infrastructure Infrastructure in its 2013 National Australia Plan. Infrastructure get mad as need to planners And finally, it anymore! hell and not take Joe Langley Government 2015, Government Joe Hockey reported as saying’, reported Joe Hockey in urban planning was lack of interest Government’s of the Major Cities Unit in 2008 the establishment The Major Cities Unit was by the Rudd government. disbanded by the Abbott Government subsequently in 2014. in_China Government, Sydney. Government, 7 8 The Sydney Morning9 Herald Endnotes 1 2 3 4 Pricing Congestion in Sydney 5 6 Melbourne. Melbourne. Canberra. Canberra. 9 reforms to planning and local government government planning and local to reforms urban renewal strengthen to legislation and powers; supporting research on national urban supporting research and policy issues; state, for model legislation developing in key governments local and territory areas. reform and genuine stakeholder concerted public andengagement with the voting other stakeholders; working with state planning and with state working agencies and local infrastructure set national planning to government and guidelines; standards • • • • • and urban government local Second, powers agencies need stronger renewal address to funding arrangements and new increase and affordability, housing supply funding, and support broad infrastructure This will require: urban regeneration. scale Where to from here? to from Where is shifting, with landscape The global cities. Australia’s for implications profound as the declining are Mining and agriculture Demographic backstop. economic nation’s productivity. down dragging changes are freight, in international Improvements bandwidth and manufacturing internet developing enabling are technology with local directly compete to countries and services high value for businesses going to are If Australians products. high living standards, enjoy to continue on be made competitive our cities must The planning profession scale. a global key demand action in several needs to this happens. ensure to areas needs Government the Commonwealth First, Urban Cities and for a Ministry establish to role of the key in recognition Development The that cities play in the national economy. with: should be tasked Ministry Benefit–cost cartoon (Source: Rod Clement, AustralianLocal Government Financial benefit from authorities to local Review.enables Finance Used Actwith Increment Tax 2012 undertake and “to permission)growth Deals Development New through Finance rates business future against – borrowing fund the or wholly partly to revenues of infrastructure”. provision and a stronger society”. In addition, the society”. and a stronger 8 . The Bill promised . The Bill promised , the NSW Parliament failed in failed , the NSW Parliament Meanwhile, the NSW Office of the NSW Office Meanwhile, 7 Planning Bill 2013 in the UK, London’s Crossrail project is project Crossrail London’s in the UK, pay for to methods capture using value $27 billion cost. project’s 28% of the over 30 years, providing an additional providing 30 years, over and that project; of funding for source Act 1979 sustainable growth, better public services public services better growth, sustainable these areas will create the conditions for for the conditions will create these areas enabling local people to make decisions in make to people enabling local “Devolving and decentralising power and power and decentralising “Devolving and Local Government?!) and Local have a Secretary of State of Communities of State a Secretary have Communities and Local Government. (They Government. Communities and Local reported the Secretary of State for for of State the Secretary reported availability of public goods and services”, of public goods and services”, availability transport connections as well as the as well connections transport on local factors including land use and including factors on local in the UK. “The UK’s prosperity depends prosperity in the UK. “The UK’s central government to local government government local to government central transfer of planning and fiscal controls from from controls of planning and fiscal transfer with the almost cheerful report on the cheerful report with the almost The grating paternalism in NSW contrasts in NSW contrasts paternalism The grating Environmental Planning and Assessment new new rather unspectacular fashion to pass the pass to fashion unspectacular rather briefings and workshops to reform the reform to briefings and workshops infrastructure plans, facts sheets, industry sheets, industry plans, facts infrastructure green papers, white papers, growth growth papers, white papers, green slogged through 2013 chest deep in 2013 chest through slogged For instance, after the planning fraternity fraternity the planning after instance, For climate change” confronting our cities. change” confronting climate having reforms. not really when you’re funding gap and mitigate the “economic the “economic funding gap and mitigate having are you the reforms in NSW are can help close the growing infrastructure infrastructure the growing help close can reforms Planning and infrastructure growth planning principles. These tools planning principles. growth Claytons reforms user-pays funding methods and smartuser-pays funding methods arsenals to include advocacy of innovative of innovative include advocacy to arsenals Planners need to expand their technical their technical expand need to Planners • rises”. protects local ratepayers from unfair rate rate unfair from ratepayers local protects Government, “to a rating system that that system a rating “to Government, is committed”, said the Office of Local of Local said the Office is committed”, with a tepid response. “The Government “The Government response. with a tepid source of revenue, was once again met was once of revenue, source council’s ability to increase its main increase to ability council’s imposed rate pegging, which limits a imposed rate for the elimination of state government- the elimination of state for in point. Local government’s recurring plea plea recurring government’s in point. Local Government Review Panel report is a case is a case report Panel Review Government under-funded. The Independent Local under-funded. The Independent Local family, also remains prescriptive and prescriptive also remains family, red-headed stepchild in the NSW planning stepchild red-headed Local government reform, forever the forever reform, government Local growth in the 21st Century. Century. in the 21st growth about how to guide and pay for urban guide and pay for to about how planners were left frustrated and confused and confused frustrated left were planners development control in Australia. Instead, Instead, in Australia. control development to set a new benchmark for planning and benchmark for a new set to over same period in 2014. same over outstripping the $726 million collected the $726 million collected outstripping and February 2015 was over $1 billion, 2015 was over and February revenue from property sales for January for sales property from revenue State Revenue reported that stamp duty that stamp reported Revenue State The Game Changer: why Badgerys Creek airport demands a rethinking of our strategic plans for Sydney Carl Wulff, CEO, Liverpool City Council

populations in growth areas like Carnes The simple fact is that the Badgerys Creek airport announcement Hill and, of course, Badgerys Creek. is a game changer for Sydney. It demands a rethink of the existing Time to rethink our strategic framework strategic framework for the city and more broadly NSW, and casts for Sydney serious doubts on the merits of locating a new intermodal freight The airport announcement is a game terminal at Moorebank. By building the intermodal at Badgerys changer for Sydney – one that demands a Creek instead, the facility can service the airport, be properly rethink of the existing strategic framework integrated around new infrastructure and generate economic activity for the city and beyond. This is particularly relevant for housing, transport and freight at the airport site from day one. plans. In this mix, there’s a piece of key infrastructure – the planned Moorebank intermodal freight terminal – that should One year on from the Federal Government’s There were recently more than 12 cranes be priority number one in the reimagining commitment to build Sydney’s second across the CBD skyline creating more than of our plans because of the effects that a international airport at Badgerys Creek, 800 apartments, which equates to 3,000 wrong decision will wreak upon our city. there’s a transformation happening in new residents moving in to the city centre We believe the intermodal must be built at Liverpool, the regional capital of Sydney’s in the next 12 to 18 months alone. Further, Badgerys Creek airport instead. great south west and hub city for the new Quest Apartments will soon open 88 airport. Economic growth and development serviced apartments in the city centre. Moorebank: a deeply flawed site interest in the region is unprecedented, with a population that is growing at 2.3 per And across the region in the past twelve Moorebank is a deeply flawed site for an cent per annum1 – almost twice the NSW months we have also seen a $3.5 billion intermodal. This is something Liverpool average. Since April 2014, plans for 594 roads package from the Commonwealth, Council and the community has long CBD apartments have been lodged with the South West Rail Link completed, the argued, backed by a report handed down Liverpool Council, a 200 per cent increase M5 widened in parts, and within our own by the Planning Assessment Commission in the number of applications to build local government area, major investment (PAC) regarding the Moorebank Intermodal residential developments in the city centre. in road upgrades to cater for growing in September 2014. This report highlighted that key intersections on Moorebank Avenue and the Hume Highway will need significant investment and redesign to address traffic impacts as they are already at full capacity. It also recognised major problems relating to air quality, construction and operational noise impacts on populations nearby. Further, we know that locating an intermodal at Moorebank would have a disastrous impact on travel along the M5, one of Sydney’s most congested motorways, adding 10,000 additional truck movements a day – that’s an extra truck movement every 8 seconds, 24-hours-a- day, 7-days-a-week.2 To say this would have a crippling effect on Sydney’s South West – and traffic movements around Sydney more generally – is putting it kindly. Despite all of this, the intermodal, should it be located at Moorebank, cannot run at the capacity its proponents initially sought. Liverpool Riverside Lands – a vision of future residential development covering the site of the Private operator SIMTA’s proposal sought planned Moorebank Intermodal (Source: Liverpool City Council) approval for a throughput of 1 million 24 | JUNE 2015 | newplanner opinion Q | JUNE 2015 | 25 planner new is CEO of Liverpool City Hunter Valley of New South Wales. as a Director of BRW Constructions in the engineering, in construction and mining, He has extensive experience in civil Queensland over the past thirty years. Local Government in NSW, Victoria and of CEO and senior management roles in in Queensland. He has held a number management consulting business based of Strategic Consulting Services, a NSW Department of Planning and Environment, 2014; NSW Department of Planning and Environment, Company modelling, 2014. Intermodal Moorebank Opportunity Development Cushman and Wakefield Council. Prior to this, he was the Director Endnotes 1 2 3 SGS Economics and Planning, 2015. SGS Economics Lands, 2014. Riverside Liverpool Carl Wulff intermodal, there is an argument for why for is an argument there intermodal, one. airport is the right Badgerys Creek in which cost climate In an economic increasingly is becoming efficiency at Badgerys an intermodal important, as it would attractive, airport looks Creek its first activity from economic generate day of operation. efficiency substantial are there know We and intermodals opportunities when co-located. airports are international of a strategic the creation In this case, hub connected transportation intermodal and the rail Orbital Sydney the outer to global world-class provide could network and domestic international to logistics also being while companies transportation access and rail Truck effective. cost more the $3.5 billion into be configured can road the surrounding to allocated already airport the new for network infrastructure and rail road the costly as opposed to site. at the Moorebank necessary upgrades would at Badgerys Creek An intermodal Sydney Western the to also be closer to (WSEA), and is next Area Employment freight and future areas industrial future which is where Sydney, in Western markets freight of the containerised two-thirds is transported. Botany at Port received in the intermodal for a site Creating airport the vicinity of Badgerys Creek be built that could mean a facility would the number of handle to specifically Sydney for required movements container 1.1 million TEUs per – up to future the into and another freight of import-export year freight, of interstate 500,000 TEUs per year expand. to with room for one of the names favoured Incidentally, leading after airport is Bradfield, the new the man whoengineer Dr John Bradfield, apply Harbour Bridge. Let’s built the Sydney build to where thinking’ to some ‘Bradfield forintermodal freight new the proposed do so this opportunity to have we while Sydney airport it at Badgerys Creek – and locate could also be used to fast track track fast also be used to could 3 The solution: Badgerys Creek The solution: Badgerys Creek Moorebank points to that each argument For the proposed for location as the wrong the infrastructure necessary to support to necessary the infrastructure And, intermodal. a Badgerys Creek of our this piece it will give importantly, to of Sydney the people to back riverside and enjoy. access Making the most of the Georges River River of the Georges Making the most city is it with the and reconnecting for projects also one of the foundation City Building Our New City, Liverpool’s The State strategy. revitalisation Centre strategy, metropolitan new Government’s also recognises year, last late released Liverpool, for of the river the importance by a $273,000 funding and was followed and transport improve to commitment the city, around connections cycling and pedestrian a new including plans for connecting the river bridge across cycling station. the railway to directly population rapidly With Sydney’s – which is site the Moorebank expanding, make land – can prime, urban, riverfront solving towards contribution an important It housing challenges. future Sydney’s 16,500 up to deliver to has the capacity transport established to close dwellings infrastructure. and rail of the the sale from raised The revenue than $482 at more which is valued site, million, (Source: Liverpool City Council) Sydney’s freight terminal network. Badgerys Creek is well positioned for an intermodal NSW market. easily service the projected growth in the growth the projected service easily Its operators, Asceano, say the SFT can say the SFT can Asceano, Its operators, through its rail links to Port Botany. Botany. Port links to its rail through rail terminal and an import-export terminal and an import-export terminal rail doing the same. we’re in Liverpool to operate as both an interstate intermodal intermodal as both an interstate operate to – and their rivers to their relationships each year, and provide capacity for the SFT for capacity and provide each year, rethinking are the world Cities all over movements from 300,000 to 600,000 TEUs 300,000 to from movements industry for no place Riverfront site’s current capacity to handle freight freight handle to capacity current site’s (SFT) at Chullora that will double the that will double (SFT) at Chullora Cranes at the Sydney Freight Terminal Terminal Freight at the Sydney Cranes two new $30 million Rail Mounted Gantry $30 million Rail Mounted new two In February, Premier Mike Baird launched Baird Mike Premier In February, able to do this. do this. to able needs between them. We know they are are they know them. We needs between and Chullora to cover existing and future and future existing cover to and Chullora two neighbouring terminals at Enfield at Enfield neighbouring terminals two is pertinent to consider the ability of the the ability of the consider is pertinent to sufficiently increase capacity. capacity. increase sufficiently it capacity, at a capped operate to able investment, redesign and monitoring and monitoring redesign investment, only at Moorebank With an intermodal TEUs, should stringent road network network road TEUs, should stringent at Chullora Terminal Freight Sydney with the potential for a further 250,000 for with the potential approval for a maximum of 250,000 TEUs, for approval annum; however, the PAC only granted granted only the PAC annum; however, twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) per equivalent twenty-foot The policy behind the practice: community engagement in infrastructure planning Laura Stewart, Senior Communication and Stakeholder Engagement Consultant, Aurecon

makes many community engagement While the value of community engagement is widely accepted, policies futile. Government policies attempt it continues to be deployed as a mechanism for mediating to promote good planning practice by relationships between governments and the public, rather than encouraging engagement and transparent decision making; however, these policies one used to openly discuss issues and solutions. If the benefits are just guidelines. If democratic of community engagement are so widely acknowledged, why do planning is to be achieved we need tighter communities continue to oppose infrastructure proposals? This government legislation, stricter policies article describes key findings from a recent study on Australian and a more critical focus on community consultation. ‘Without strong legislative community engagement policies in infrastructure planning. backing, community consultation remains vulnerable to manipulation and case by case interpretation’.3 As the chief decision makers for and energy, community engagement infrastructure, state governments hold the needs to be an integrated part of the State government policies or guidelines key to meaningful community engagement. planning process. Governments need to have been developed to guide and A search of state government community share decision making influence through influence community engagement. They engagement policy reveals a diversity of deliberative processes. Based on current outline the state’s commitment to the level documentation. While each of these policies community engagement policies there is of engagement, the style and ultimately has been developed to reflect specific state little evidence of devolved power sharing determine the level of influence the government priorities, reviewing these between government and communities. community has over a decision. For best policies through a critical lens identified key While there is a demonstrated move practice community engagement to occur, insights to better understand community towards more democratic processes it must be demonstrated through policy engagement in infrastructure planning. and greater transparency, an overtone and supporting legislation. If community of government control remains, with Varying definitions of community engagement is to be truly meaningful, it all policies caveated with statements engagement needs to be embedded in planning and indicating that ultimate decision making decision making processes Q Australian community engagement power lies with the government. policies use a variety of definitions For the past 10 years Laura Stewart has Legislative loopholes and principles to outline ‘community worked in community engagement on engagement’. These varying definitions Although it is recognised that a range of infrastructure projects, from indicate an inconsistent understanding of governments are trying to engage more roads and rail to water and electricity. community engagement between state with communities, there is contradictory Laura has facilitated positive relations governments, which, in turn, can be linked evidence in planning legislation where between the community and infrastructure to inconsistencies in how community loopholes allow selected proposals to avoid projects. More recently, Laura has taken engagement in infrastructure planning the need for community engagement. It her industry experience and moved is carried out. Researcher Dr Lyn Carson remains possible for a State Minister to ‘call into research, advocating for ongoing discovered similar findings when surveying in’ a project of significance, or controversy, development of community engagement. government leaders. She concluded and make a decision, thus bypassing Her research seeks to understand policy that differences in how community community engagement. For example, drivers for community engagement in engagement is defined/how community in NSW, the Environmental Planning infrastructure planning. engagement takes place has led to and Approvals Act 1979 outlines the different expectations among decision requirements for community consultation Endnotes makers. Ultimately, this has weakened for all new applications; however, it also 1 International Association of Public Participation & links between community engagement and includes an option for the Planning Minister The Charles F. Kettering Foundation 2008, Painting influence in decision making.1 to call in a decision of state significance the landscape: a cross-cultural exploration of public– under Section 101.2 While these loop government decision making, IAP2, Louisville. Sharing the decision making power 2 McClelland, J 1992, ‘Participation and the law: the holes exist there will always be barriers case of the New South Wales Environmental Planning Sharing decision making power remains prohibiting meaningful engagement. and Assessment Act, 1979’, in M Munro-Clark (ed), the most critical issue for meaningful Citizen participation in government, University of Lack of regulation and enforcement Sydney, Sydney. community engagement. For the 3 Kerkin K 1998, ‘Towards democratic planning? community to see value in taking part It is clear that there is a lack of regulation Negotiating change in St Kilda, Melbourne’, Urban in engagement and offering their time or legislated means of enforcement, which Policy and Research, vol. 15, no. 4, pp. 293-300.

26 | JUNE 2015 | newplanner NSW Young Planners Using infrastructure to shape a city Laura Schmahmann MPIA, Consultant, SGS Economics and Planning review

transport accessibility to Parramatta, Investment in transport and other forms of infrastructure while reducing investment in motorways can have a significant impact on the economic geography of that entrench the existing monocentric a city. With infrastructure being a key focus of the current structure of the city, would be another way to create a more sustainable economic NSW Government, as well as the Commonwealth Government, geography in Sydney Q understanding how infrastructure can shape our cities and how Laura Schmahmann has been employed as a to plan for it has become increasingly important. Consultant at SGS Economics and Planning since she graduated with a Bachelor of Planning (Honours Class 1) from UNSW in ‘City shaping’ (or strategic) infrastructure Decisions relating to investment in 2012. Her main interests include strategic “comprises a relatively limited number of infrastructure are often based on servicing land use planning and urban policy issues. projects, almost exclusively in the transport existing and future demand such as gaps In 2014 she was accepted as a Masters of domain, which have the power to shift within the public or private transport Philosophy research candidate within the relative accessibility across the metropolis. network. This can improve connectivity Faculty of Built Environment at UNSW. These projects can drive the location and productivity within a city; however, it Laura’s research is focused on knowledge decisions of households and firms, thereby reinforces existing trends and patterns of spillovers within industry clusters in Sydney. influencing urban structure; and they can development such as funnelling transport She has been an active member of the PIA create new agglomeration economies into the Sydney CBD to connect residents NSW Young Planners Committee since 2013. thereby boosting productivity”.1 with the jobs that are concentrated there. Endnotes It is important that planners understand Whilst it is important to improve connectivity 1 SGS Economics and Planning 2014, ‘Evaluating “city the impact that infrastructure can have in Sydney, transport infrastructure shaping” infrastructure projects’, Urbecon, vol. 4, pp. on the economic geography of the city. investments should not just ‘predict 3-4. Available at: www.sgsep.com.au/assets/Urbecon- Infrastructure can increase the desirability and provide’ for the existing flows of an Vol-4-2014-web.pdf 2 Western Sydney comprises 14 local government of a particular location for different land established city structure. They should be areas across Sydney: Auburn, Bankstown, Blacktown, uses. For example, public transport a proactive force that shapes the economic Blue Mountains, Camden, Campbelltown, Fairfield, infrastructure will increase the desirability geography of Sydney, creating a more Hawkesbury, Holroyd, Liverpool, Parramatta, Penrith, The Hills and Wollondilly of an area for residential or commercial socially equitable, ecologically sustainable land uses, whereas access to port and and economically successful city. airport infrastructure via road or rail will Between 1996 and 2011, 51% of Sydney’s NSW Young Planners Committee increase the desirability of a particular population growth was concentrated location for industrial land uses. Christina Livers AEC Group in western Sydney,2 whilst only 38% of (State Convenor) employment growth occurred in this Harry Quartermain JBA region of Sydney (see Figure 1). If the (NSW National Rep) centralisation of the workforce continues, Alice Reilly Hames Sharley the population of western Sydney will be increasingly disconnected from the Andre Szczepanski JBA jobs growth occurring in eastern Sydney. Camille Lattouf Architectus Investment in city shaping infrastructure can Candice Pon Willoughby Council help to ‘correct’ this problem and facilitate Catherine Gilbert USYD employment growth in western Sydney. Chantelle Chow DP&E Importantly, city shaping infrastructure should be led by a purpose that aims Chris Forrester JBA to redress any existing imbalances. Dean Hosking Cardno The proposed second Sydney airport at Elle Clouston Hill PDA Badgerys Creek provides a significant Holly Patrick Urbis opportunity for planners to shape Sydney and shift growth. The success of this Laura Schmahmann SGS investment is reliant on not only the land Mitchell Davies UNSW use mix surrounding the planned airport, Rachel Gardner DFP but also the transport connections with the Figure 1: Employment and population growth, Vijay Prabhu Architectus 1996-2011 (Source: ABS Census of Population existing transport network and key centres and Housing, 1996, 2001, 2006 and 2011) across Sydney. Likewise, improving public newplanner | JUNE 2015 | 27 NSW Consulting Planners Sydney CBD and South East Light Rail: transport planning beyond the tracks Brett Maynard, Director, GTA Consultants

and network changes during the project’s The Sydney CBD & South East Light Rail (CSELR) project is a construction, were considered. major undertaking being implemented by the NSW Government. GTA was subsequently commissioned to Underlying the visible changes the CSELR will bring to the spatial upgrade the transport model to simulate and physical environment along its route are a number of transport the dynamic nature of how traffic signals planning investigations that GTA has been involved in. These operate. The upgraded model addressed the limitations of the traditional modelling investigations will help ensure that the overall transport system approach, which uses fixed-time traffic continues to support Sydney’s transport needs. signals. It was able to simulate how the Sydney Coordinated Adaptive Traffic System (SCATS) would operate to optimise Construction of the CSELR is now NSW (TfNSW) to test light rail integration signal timings at intersections (known as underway. It commenced with preparatory scenarios. In partnership with software SCATSIM), in order to cater for growing works and investigations earlier this year in developers Transport Simulation Systems congestion in the forecast years. Through the Sydney CBD. The new line will run from (TSS) and Azalient, (developers of the the Aimsun-SCATSIM model, GTA was Circular Quay to Central Station, through Aimsun and Commuter transport modelling able to assist agencies by producing a Surry Hills to Moore Park, then divide near packages, respectively), GTA developed more responsive assessment of the traffic Centennial Park, with one line terminating an innovative, multi-layered modelling impacts of proposed network changes in at Kingsford and the other at Randwick. approach encompassing the strategic level the CBD and South East. This model was While much attention has focused on the (using the EMME and Aimsun software subsequently used by the CBD Alliance new light rail vehicles and the associated packages), the mesoscopic level (using team for testing details of the Sydney City public transport service they will provide, a Aimsun), and the microscopic level (using Centre Access Strategy (2013). Commuter). The concept extracted the best significant amount of the transport planning As with any project that involves significant elements out of each software package, and engineering work associated with the alterations and reconfiguration of the road with the aim of enabling government project relates to the interfaces with other network, road safety and addressing potential agencies, including TfNSW and the Roads transport modes and the surrounding road safety risks through the design process and Maritime Services (RMS), and the City environment, particularly the road network. is particularly important. GTA undertook an of Sydney, to better plan and manage their independent concept design road safety audit GTA’s involvement in the project began systems in response to the introduction prior to tender submissions for the contract in 2012. We developed a new Sydney of light rail. The associated bus plan, CBD transport model for Transport for to design, construct, operate and maintain along with issues such as road closures the project, to inform tenderers of road safety risks identified with the project’s reference design. Following this, TfNSW awarded GTA (in association with PWC Strategy) a contract to provide traffic and transport planning advisory services for the project’s delivery phase. This role has so far included: • construction traffic management advice for early works in the CBD; • assessment of potential traffic and transport impacts relating to the project modifications (approved February 2015); • further modelling using the hybrid transport model to test a number of transport scenarios throughout the corridor, including consideration of light rail priority, likely traffic changes, refinement of the project’s design, implications for bus operations and Artist’s impression of light rail at QVB (Source: Transport for NSW) construction staging scenarios; and 28 | JUNE 2015 | newplanner • preparation of numerous strategies for While the CSELR will improve day-to-day along the corridor. The CSELR will provide the project’s implementation, including public transport outcomes for the Sydney additional public transport capacity and a Parking Offsets Management Strategy, CBD and Eastern Suburbs, as well as for increase development thresholds around a Pedestrian and Cyclist Network and patrons travelling to and from Moore Park the light rail stops. Facilities Strategy, and a Coach Strategy and the Royal Randwick Racecourse during to manage the impacts of proposed special events, the most exciting benefit Finally, GTA’s involvement in the project has review changes at Central Station. could be the redevelopment opportunities extended to other development projects, including Brookfield’s One Carrington Street development at Wynyard. Here, we prepared a detailed construction traffic management plan that took into account complications such as the simultaneous construction of the light rail. The CSELR project is a significant and complex undertaking. The challenges go well beyond the tracks, stop platforms and rolling stock. GTA looks forward to continued involvement with the project and a successful outcome that benefits all who use the light rail and its surrounding built environment Q Brett Maynard is a Director in GTA’s Sydney office. He has worked on major transport infrastructure projects in Sydney, including the CBD & South East Light Rail, Wynyard Walk and Transport Access Program projects, and undertaken numerous transport assessments and road safety audits for land development projects. He has over 15 years’ experience in design, development and assessment projects encompassing pedestrian and cyclist facilities, transport network improvements, road safety engineering, road layout and design, and traffic engineering and assessment. He is an accredited Level 3 (Senior, Team Leader) Road Safety Auditor.

At left: CSELR Map (Source: Transport for NSW)

If we are really to achieve healthy human- International Snippets friendly cities, we may need a step-change in attitude to promoting walking. In effect, David Winterbottom LFPIA the health and wellbeing agenda should be no less deserving, strategic or systematic (particularly on-site parking requirements) Autonomous cars on the horizon than safety or accessibility agendas. There could change quickly in response to new Fully autonomous vehicles will likely be is a danger that the long-term strategies technologies, and perhaps redirect capital driving themselves on city streets and for cities will be dominated by large-scale investments away from infrastructure-heavy highways in the next 20 years. Self-driving projects such as new rail lines or road projects with a long lifespan to shorter term, cars will have a number of social and tunnels, which may simply perpetuate more flexible projects that are insulated from economic effects. In addition to freeing current patterns of ‘sedentary mobility’, some of the uncertainty around the timing drivers to engage in tasks other than while improvements for pedestrians are and impacts of self-driving cars. driving, autonomous vehicles promise in danger of being restricted to smaller- Erick Guerra, Planning (USA), May 2015 to reduce traffic collisions by removing scale, shorter-term fixes. Walking towards healthy cities humans, and thus human error and Suggestions for microbe-friendly malls negligence, from behind the wheel. By For well over 3 million years, the hunter- and ‘pocket’ pensioners’ playgrounds may allowing closer platooning and lowering gathering communities from which sound frivolous, and radical re-prioritisation the number of collisions, self-driving we descended adapted to life revolving for pedestrians over motorised modes vehicles will also increase effective road around small-scale societies. That is the overambitious. But if we are serious about capacity, particularly on highways. lifestyle we were genetically, metabolically, future healthy cities for Homo sapiens, we Self-driving cars also could have profound, physiologically and psychologically should not discount any innovative measures though highly uncertain, impacts on ‘designed for’. However, society has simply because they look unfamiliar or sustainability and urban form. Planners changed dramatically in the last 10,000 difficult to achieve in the short term. should pay close attention to the technology, years – far faster than we have evolved Stephen Marshall et al., Town & Country start thinking about which regulations anatomically or genetically. Planning (UK), March 2015 newplanner | JUNE 2015 | 29 Planning Perspectives Regional Infrastructure Plans Steve O’Connor FPIA CPP, Partner, Koby Development Consultants & Technical Director, ERM Australia

upgrades to Wollongong and Shoalhaven The emphasis on preparing Infrastructure Plans for our regions Hospitals, and Shell Cove Boat Harbour saw the release of the new breed of Growth and Infrastructure and Tourist Precinct (privately funded). Plans by the NSW Government in late 2014. This came in the form Investment in superfast broadband networks 1 and 4G mobile networks are prioritised to of a draft for the Illawarra Region. A year earlier the three tiers of facilitate teleworking, e-commerce, and the government combined to publish the Hunter Strategic Infrastructure development of smart infrastructure. 2 Plan (HSIP). This article examines how these two Plans have Conclusion approached planning for regional infrastructure. The potential to support economic growth sectors through key infrastructure investments is a common theme in Hunter Strategic Infrastructure Plan (HISP) the University of Newcastle (also funded and both the Lower Hunter and Illawarra will accommodate up to 5,000 students), The HSIP was prepared by the Hunter Infrastructure Plans. Development Corporation (HDC) with the acceleration of the National Broadband significant financial assistance from Network (NBN) to provide high speed The Draft Illawarra Infrastructure Plan the Commonwealth Government, NSW connectivity, and the construction of a new recognises that the Plan is needed to Government and Hunter Councils. The Plan hospital near Maitland. All these projects have provide confidence and certainty to has a focus on productivity, sustainability significant employment generation potential. encourage investment. This is particularly relevant when it comes to infrastructure and liveability in line with the Council of Draft Illawarra Regional Growth and planning and delivery, which depends, to Australian Governments’ (COAG) approach Infrastructure Plan to improving our major cities. The main a large degree, on the allocation of public The Draft Illawarra Regional Growth funds through annual budgetary processes. aim of the Plan is to provide a strategic and Infrastructure Plan, prepared by the infrastructure framework to inform urban Department of Planning and Environment, Subregional Delivery Plans and Growth growth in the Lower Hunter. incorporates a growth strategy as well as an Infrastructure Plans were proposed in A detailed analysis of the Region’s infrastructure plan. This plan was informed the Government’s White Paper in 2013 economic base is provided in the HSIP, and by specialist reports which examined how to strengthen the delivery mechanisms conclusions are drawn about the economic the Illawarra could function if key strategic available in the planning system. While the and technological changes that are likely to infrastructure investments were made. release of these two infrastructure plans is a positive move, there is clearly still a need for occur in the next 20 to 40 years. This provides Illawarra investment priorities the context for the infrastructure capability improved delivery mechanisms Q assessment presented later in the report. Priorities that have already secured funding Endnotes Some of the key areas highlighted are the in the Region include Port Kembla Outer 1 Department of Planning and Environment 2014, Draft Harbour development, water and wastewater Illawarra Regional Growth and Infrastructure Plan, need for further economic integration with NSW Government, Sydney. Asia, the evolving digital economy, changing infrastructure to facilitate the development 2 Hunter Development Corporation 2013, Hunter settlement patterns and the move to a less of the West Lake Illawarra Release Area, Strategic Infrastructure Plan, NSW Government, Sydney. carbon-intensive economy. HSIP investment priorities The HSIP identifies employment sectors in the Region with growth potential, including Newcastle Airport (which has been expanding at a rate of 5% per annum), the RAAF Base in Williamtown, and research institutes such as the Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI), the Clean Energy Innovation Centre (CEIC) and the University of Newcastle (which has over 40,000 students). Amongst the infrastructure projects identified as being a priority to receive funding over the next five years are the expansion of Newcastle Airport Terminal (this project is under construction – see artist’s impression), the construction of an inner city campus of Newcastle Airport Terminal proposed upgrade (Source: Newcastle Airport Pty Ltd)

30 | JUNE 2015 | newplanner review

4 Research

Walk21 Q

6 | JUNE 2015 | 31 , Queensland Transport, , Queensland Transport, Reducing Conflict Between planner Austroads Research Report:

, Austroads, Sydney. , Austroads, new 2,3 , RTA, Sydney. , RTA, and there are NSW specific case NSW specific case are and there 5 and Footpaths Shared Paths NSW Roads and Traffic Authority (RTA) 2009, Authority (RTA) NSW Roads and Traffic 2006, Austroads 2006, Queensland Transport See: www.walk21sydney.net/presentations/ See: www.bicyclecouncil.com.au See: www.pcal.nsw.gov.au/case_studies Pedestrian-Cyclist Conflict MinimisationBicycle on Shared Riders Paths and Pedestrians Report: Study of Bicyclist and Pedestrian Safety on pedestrians include integrated strategy strategy include integrated pedestrians and planning, engineering works, traffic management, urban design, place change making, and education/behaviour programs. A special session at last year’s year’s at last A special session studies on the PCAL website. on the PCAL studies Endnotes Where to from here? to from Where behaviour change One well researched the ‘Share is the City of Sydney’s program which aims campaign, awareness Path’ riders and bike pedestrians educate to and paths safely use shared on how to uses face- The program considerately. riders, bike between sessions to-face with at sites staff and council pedestrians during peak traffic bike and high foot key disseminate periods to commuting behaviour target and reward messages bell ringing). The (such as cyclists’ for suggestions also provides program in other a similar program establishing areas. government local management Other specific conflict practice best and numerous strategies are the country across from studies case Council Bicycle on the Australian provided website Practical solutions include duplicating solutions include duplicating Practical walking and cycling promote paths to paths to widening shared separation, and reviews safety capacity, increase minimise subsequent design solutions to rule path hazards, shared potential and behaviour change enforcement, programs. 1 2 3 4 5 6 conference explored evidence based evidence explored conference between managing conflicts for measures paths. on shared and pedestrians cyclists Fortitude Valley, Queensland. Valley, Fortitude Professor in Planning Professor Executive Officer, NSW Premier’s Council NSW Premier’s Officer, Executive Susan Thompson FPIA, Susan Thompson Peter McCue, Peter for Active Living (PCAL) Living Active for and Associate Director (Healthy Built Environments), Built Environments), (Healthy Director and Associate UNSW Australia Centre, Research City Futures study (Source: PCAL) Sharing the path safely: Fernleigh PCAL case Solutions need holistic we minimise conflict, To of solutions that meet the requirements A suite and pedestrians. riders both bike address to necessary of solutions are and demographic environmental, local measures Broad circumstances. cultural and cyclists between minimise conflict to While there is no single conflict generating generating conflict is no single there While been have factors mechanism, numerous behaviour The identified as significant. path and using the shared of people with together environment, the physical can factors, these two between interaction Path path conflict. impact upon shared also key speeds are widths and cycling perceptions influencing pedestrian factors paths. on shared of safety Nevertheless, Nevertheless, 1 Sydney City Centre reports that 92% of all reports

Access Strategy

Healthy Built Environments Environments Built Healthy the path Sharing people use these facilities for transport and recreation. recreation. and transport for facilities use these people aware of the issues related to shared pathways as more and more more and pathways as more shared to related of the issues aware along shared pathways will be commonplace. Planners need to be need to Planners pathways will be commonplace. shared along Together with the popularity of active transport, cycling and walking cycling transport, with the popularity of active Together will sharing public facilities such as recreational facilities and pathways. facilities such as recreational will sharing public facilities buildings, close living will become more the Australian norm. So too the Australian more living will become buildings, close As our cities grow to accommodate more people in high rise apartment in high rise people more accommodate to As our cities grow to commute and recreate. and recreate. commute to densify and we compete for limited space space limited for compete densify and we becoming increasingly important as cities important increasingly becoming people. Management of shared pathways is pathways Management of shared people. barrier for walking, particularly for older for walking, particularly barrier for the perceived risks can be a significant a significant be risks can the perceived we cannot simply dismiss perceptions, as perceptions, dismiss simply cannot we of transport. The 2013 of transport. been steadily increasing for both modes for increasing been steadily transport challenges. Numbers have have Numbers challenges. transport beneficial solution to many of our urban beneficial solution to cycle for short trips is an economically short trips is an economically for cycle Encouraging more people to walk and to people more Encouraging effective and efficient modes of transport. modes of transport. and efficient effective Walking and bike riding are healthy, cost healthy, cost riding are and bike Walking cyclists and pedestrians. and cyclists misses and no actual contact between between no actual contact and misses shared pathways found only five near five only pathways found shared pedestrians and 12,000 bicyclists on NSW and 12,000 bicyclists pedestrians the actual risk. Observations of 50,000 the actual risk. Observations perception of danger is much greater than of danger is much greater perception increasing safety concerns. However, the However, concerns. safety increasing and hearing impairment. pathways is causing on shared cyclists percentage of pedestrians will have vision will have of pedestrians percentage and pedestrians between The interaction utilised on shared pathways, and a greater pathways, and a greater utilised on shared Safety mobility devices will be more regularly regularly will be more mobility devices pedestrians. As our population ages, pedestrians. likelihood of conflict, particularly for for particularly of conflict, likelihood solution. Integration increases the increases solution. Integration shared pathways providing one design pathways providing shared transport infrastructure provision, with provision, infrastructure transport There is mounting pressure for active active for is mounting pressure There transport is expected to continue growing. continue to is expected transport trips and, along with cycling, this mode of with cycling, trips and, along weekday journeys in the City are walking in the City are journeys weekday PlannerTech New platforms make it possible to live-stream your next meeting, walking tour or public event John O’Callaghan, Director, JOC Consulting

• Film interesting content and introduce Just before you thought we couldn’t get more ‘instant’ online, along what you’re seeing, replying to comments comes a new app from Twitter to live-stream your every move (or and engaging with users (like a webinar lack thereof). Thanks to Periscope we can now watch someone but much easier); having a BBQ, another person singing to Taylor Swift in the car and • An option within Periscope allows you to toggle on/off tweet option, which means another drinking their morning coffee. It can be pretty mundane you can decide which videos you’d like footage at times, but Periscope’s relevance to planning shouldn’t shared via Twitter; be underestimated. • Periscope saves live-streams so they can be included in future presentations or If you’ve been following the hype, or signed Periscope to their advantage. Here are five added to your website; up already, you would have noticed the more: • Watch out for issues with copyright ability for Periscope to give us access to 1. Stream conferences, events and public infringement (avoid game of thrones people’s lives, quicker and easier, than we forums with local decision makers and streaming and stick to planning); and ever have before. Since its launch, I’ve been experts. • Block users that are inappropriate or watching, interacting and sharing my own 2. Take the community behind the scenes trolls. content to better understand this rapidly and invite them to remotely explore your evolving subculture of digital users. As we can see, live streaming, like digital workplace, construction site or parkland technology itself, is evolving quickly. When As part of the ur[BNE] Festival in April, I opening. Periscope did this themselves, barriers such as entry and costs are low worked with QLD and ACT Young Planners with authors showing Periscope for uptake of these new apps, they quickly to deliver a cross State collaboration using community the areas they write in. The become popular and are embraced by the Periscope. The aim of the ‘Ideas Rumble’ series was called #WhereIWrite. public. was to solve place activation issues in 3. Keep clients and the community pre-identified urban spaces across the I’ve spoken before about the need for informed with planning news with a different States. The use of live-streaming planners to take up new technology quickly weekly Periscope update – same time, enabled us to ‘be in the space’ with the – and Periscope is the latest example. same day each week. QLD team, who were introducing us to Following in the footsteps of clunkier, the square at the Queen Street and Albert 4. Ask for feedback in real time – like I older versions of live streaming, such Street intersection, and the ACT team, did while writing this article – and ask as Skype, Google Hangouts and, most who were showing us The Gazebo at the Periscope community, or just your recently, Meerkat, Periscope gives us the Tuggeranong. The insights gained from followers, for feedback on designs, policy opportunity to better understand our urban this live-streaming enabled us to identify and strategy. spaces. This is the new infrastructure (and potentially speak with) different 5. Selling places: consider a social media we need to consider when designing new audience groups, understand the urban- strategy for ‘selling liveability’ and review places or engaging communities Q design morphology of the place and give what makes products, like Periscope, go us a sense of the place character – which viral. Then implement your learning into pictures often fail to communicate. your place design. While Periscope was used throughout the Lessons learnt so far Ideas Rumble, Twitter and Padlet were also In providing these examples, it’s also used as complimentary and collaborative important to understand the parameters tools for communicating each team’s around new technology and risks thoughts and ideas for improving the public associated with its use. Here are a few spaces. In its most simple form, Periscope insights gained from my experience on enables the sharing of content across state Periscope so far: borders, in real time and at little expense. • Use your regular iPhone camera Five ways Periscope can be used by planners (including front-facing for ‘selfie’ style) or The Ideas Rumble was just the beginning iPad (you can use the iPad case stand for Periscope screenshot of welcome page and ‘Ideas – it highlighted one way planners can use extra support); Rumble’ (Source: www.periscope.tv)

32 | JUNE 2015 | newplanner review | JUNE 2015 | 33

econsulting.com.au Q planner 02 – 4942 5677 new 6WUDWHJLFXUEDQGHVLJQ 9LVXDOLPSDFWVSHFLDOLVWV www.envisag [email protected] ([SHULHQFHG JRYHUQPHQWDGYLFH those in the Rule of Thumb. The Court those in the Rule in its that, when considered concluded dictates of cl 30A(1)(b) the wording context, those minimums are that the relevant Reasons provided in the table. to referred the to included: (1) cl 30A(1)(b) refers areas and external internal recommended type set out in the apartment the relevant for areas and external RFD Code – and internal and not in the in the table, set out only are ‘relevant of Thumb; and (2) the term Rules the nine to refers apartment type’ clearly apartment types identified in the table. held that the The Court therefore areas’ and external internal ‘recommended 30A(1)(b) of SEPP 65 are in cl to referred the of the RFD Code. As those in the table set had used the incorrect Commissioner of unit sizes, the appeal was upheld and the Commissioner to remitted the matter determination for Botany Bay City [2015] NSWLEC 55, the Cause of disagreement over compliance compliance over Cause of disagreement the from with apartment size stemmed of unit the issue that, in addressing fact size, the RFD Code specifies two different which is a table sets of sizes. There for areas and external specifies internal apartment types, and there nine different the for of Thumb’ which provide ‘Rules are apartments. of 1, 2 and 3 bedroom areas All of the apartments in the proposed identified the areas exceeded development of Thumb, but not all met the in the Rules of Thumb If the Rules in the table. areas to areas the recommended were areas which cl 30A(1)(b) of SEPP 65 referred, not be refused could then the development if the on the basis of unit size. Conversely, be the minimum to were in the table areas on the be refused could consent areas, with unit size. basis on non-compliance decided that the The Commissioner those in the Rules minimums were relevant could consent of Thumb, and therefore on the basis of unit size. On not be refused that, on its appeal, the Council submitted the ‘recommended construction, proper those in cl 30A(1)(b) are to referred areas’ Thus, of Thumb. not the Rules in the table, the Court was whether before the question in finding that the erred the Commissioner minimums, or, unit sizes met the relevant of such which statement particularly, more of Thumb or the minimums – the Rules apply. one to – was the correct table the Court determined therefore, Specifically whether, on its proper the question the to cl 30A(1)(b) refers construction, or in the table, minimum sizes contained Senior Lecturer in Planning, Faculty of Built Environment, UNSW Australia of Built Environment, in Planning, Faculty Senior Lecturer Land and Environment against a decision of a against

Court Act 1979

under s 56A of the This matter involved an appeal to a Judge to an appeal involved This matter

relating to minimum size of residential flat units. In minimum size of residential to relating The Residential Flat Design Code contains two sets of provisions sets of provisions two contains The Residential Flat Design Code

Peter Williams MPIA, Williams Peter In the Courts In the flat development residential to down Thumbs RFD Code. to meet the recommended areas in the areas meet the recommended to construction, the apartment sizes failed the apartment sizes failed construction, 30A(1)(b), and that on the clause’s proper proper 30A(1)(b), and that on the clause’s that the Commissioner misconstrued cl cl misconstrued that the Commissioner size. On appeal, the Council submitted size. On appeal, the Council submitted could not be refused on the basis of unit not be refused could Code, and therefore the development the development Code, and therefore internal and external areas in the RFD areas and external internal the apartment sizes met the recommended the apartment sizes met the recommended The Commissioner had determined that had determined The Commissioner in the RFD Code. area for the relevant apartment type set out the relevant for area recommended internal area and external and external area internal recommended apartment is equal to, or greater than, the or greater apartment is equal to, be refused if the proposed area for each for area if the proposed be refused with the clause stating that consent cannot cannot that consent with the clause stating One of these grounds is apartment area – is apartment area One of these grounds consent to a residential flat development. flat development. a residential to consent authority must not refuse development development not refuse authority must number of grounds on which a consent on which a consent number of grounds Clause 30A(1)(b) of SEPP 65 provides a Clause 30A(1)(b) of SEPP 65 provides Residential Flat Design Code (‘RFD Code’). Flat Development) (‘SEPP 65’) and the Flat Development) No 65 (Design Quality of Residential State Environmental Planning Policy Planning Policy Environmental State interpretation of relevant provisions of provisions of relevant interpretation Central to the proceedings was the the proceedings to Central reason for refusing consent. refusing for reason that residential flat unit size was not a that residential Commissioner erred in law in determining in law in determining erred Commissioner appellant Council contended that the appellant Council contended a residential flat development, and the flat development, a residential granted consent for the construction of the construction for consent granted Commissioner. The Commissioner had had The Commissioner Commissioner.

Council v Botany Development Pty Ltd (No 2) applications. applications. competing provisions applies in the determination of development of development applies in the determination provisions competing Land and Environment Court recently determined which of these determined Court recently Land and Environment Monteath & Powys knows about longevity We’ve been in business for more than 60 years  because of the value we place on relationships, together with our practical and feasible approach. 

 Our experienced team provide planning and environmental  services from project conception to delivery for:-

 ™ Local Government ™ State Government ™ Private Sector

Services include:-

™ Development Assessment ™ Independent Advice ™ Strategic Planning ™ REFs, EISs, EMPs ™ GIS

Newcastle Office: P: + 61 2 4926 1388 Gunnedah Office: P: + 61 2 6742 0166 Website: www.monteathpowys.com.au

Experts in delivering innovative & Utilise our planning lawyers’ expertise and responsive planning solutions

unrivalled experience in providing Planning Ingenuity is a highly skilled specialist town planning legal services relating to land use, property consultancy, committed to delivering reliable value adding services development, environmental issues and in relation to all aspects of the development process throughout New South Wales. Land & Environment Court proceedings Our Core Services: > Applications for Development > Planning Advice & Feasibility > Appeals and Expert Witnesses > Development and Environmental Impact Assessment

Mary-Lynne Taylor Dennis Loether Consultant Executive Lawyer 8281 7935 8281 7925 [email protected] [email protected] Key Contacts Lindsay Fletcher Jeff Mead Benjamin Black BartierBartier Perry Perry isis proudlyproudly sponsoringsponsoring the the MEnvPlan FPIA CPP BTP (Hons) MProDev MPIA CPP BEnvPlan MPIA PlanningPlanning InstituteInstitute of Australia Australia NSW NSW Division’sDivision’s Suite 1, 16-22 Willock Ave, Miranda 2228 P (02) 9531 2555 Toolbox Series 2015 Toolbox Series 2014 E [email protected] F (02) 9531 2599 www.bartier.com.au www.planningingenuity.com.au Level 10, 77 Castlereagh Street Sydney

34 | JUNE 2015 | newplanner

x environmental planning x master planning x urban design x traffic planning x expert evidence

Gary A Shiels George Karavanas Managing Director Director M Urb Design, M Eng Sc, M Urb BTP, M Eng Sc, FPIA, Stud, LFPIA, CPP, FAPI, FAIM CPP, MAITPM

www.gsaplanning.com.au 95 Paddington Street, Paddington 2021 T: (02) 9362 3364 email: [email protected] abn: 18003667963

One of the largest independent planning practices in NSW

Strategic and Statutory Planning Urban Design Retail and Economic Planning Planning Advice Expert Evidence and Court Appeals Development Applications Planning Proposals/Rezonings Call DFP Planning on 9980 6933 or visit www.dfpplanning.com.au for more information.

newplanner | JUNE 2015 | 35