Cities Urban - Research Agenda 8pp - Designs FINAL - Flipbook - Page 6
Environmental
Sustainability
Transport
Transport infrastructure provides the connections
between people’s homes, services, employment and social
opportunities. Airports and ports connect Australia’s regions
and cities to each other and to the global economy, and
facilitate the transport of goods. Current policies highlight
the need to invest in new transport infrastructure to combat
congestion in Australia’s growing cities. Investment in public
transport, and facilitating active transport such as cycling
and walking, is an increasing focus.
Research directions:
•
What are innovative approaches to ‘mobility as a service’
and how do governments, particularly local governments,
respond to this?
•
What transitions are needed to lower congestion and adapt
the transport networks of Australian cities to suit emerging
technologies and meet future transport requirements?
•
How can the uptake of active transport options be
prioritised to retrofit Australian cities?
•
How can the connectivity between cities be improved to
achieve higher efficiency and lower emissions?
6
NATIONAL CITIES RESEARCH PROGRAM STRATEGIC AGENDA
Cities policies in Australia will facilitate the transition to a more
sustainable way of life. At present, urban policies address
environmental hazards such as natural disasters and rising
water levels. Current foci also include the management of
natural resources including waterways, agricultural land and
biodiversity and ‘greening cities’ to mitigate the urban heat
island. Responding to emerging challenges posed by climate
change is an urgent priority.
Research directions:
•
What are possible trajectories for cities to move to zerocarbon emissions and what are the implications of these
scenarios?
•
What is the best practice in managing the preservation of
natural environments, waterways, and biodiversity in the
context of urban expansion?
•
How can food and resource consumption and management
practices be improved to meet the needs of future
populations?
•
How can the quality, diversity and provision of urban
green space be retrofitted and improved in different urban
environments?