perth challenge 2 urban sprawl

Question 1

discuss the views of the urban infill stakeholder groups related to the challenge.

Answer 1

infrastructure WA
The primary role of infructruture wa Is a non-partisan body provideing advice
* Infrustructure Wa’s advice influence the WA government decision making on infrastructure as their advice informs infrasturcture investment decision making to support better outcomes for the people and economy of WA.
* The central theme of the 2021 ‘foundations for a stronger tomorrow’ state infrastructure strategy to better
* The strategy proposes to manage the expansion of perths urban areas by consolidate perths urban areas through infill of existing land allowing for fewer new road and rail projects to service the expanding urban area
* The current infill housing target for peel@3.5million is 47% for perth
* Compared to adelaide 85% in adelaide by 2045 and 70% in melbourne by 2050
* The advisory group was of the same mind as many urban planners, ackowledging the importance of containing urban sprawl to make use of infrustructure assets and to ensure servicing and conectivity for all residents
* Greenfeild lots cost much as 2 to 4 times more than infill development
* The state govenrments Recent incentives to stimulate housing constructions activity as part of the WA recovery plan WA Infrustructure said that this fueled a spike in single house construction in greenfeild residential development which is in direct conflict with the states own urban consolidation plans
* The state premier also welcomed the recommendations and said the strategy would for future governemts to explain to the public why they were investing in projects outside of the strategy.

City of wanneroo
* Home to 200,000 residents
* Largest growing local governemtn areas in australia making it affected by urban sprawl
* The strategic community plasn 2021-2031 identified rapid urbanisation as a global risk therfore creating on sepcific goal to be ‘a sustainable city thay abalnces the relastionship between urban growth and the environment
* In 2005 the ‘smart growth strategy’ was made with the main goal being to to limit growth on the outer metropolician area
* The primary focus of the 2021 district structural plan (DSP) is a long term strategy ot vision tgat focuses on urban development across an area of 8000 hectres and ultimately rezones these ares from rural to urban. This includes 5 suburbs in the east wanneroo area
* The 3 satge of development for the DSP- stage 1 - 2021-2031 10000 dwellings
- stage 2 - 2031-2051 20,000 dwellings
- stage 3 - 2051+ 20,000 dwellings

* Some major facilities that are proposed in the DSP to support the urban sprawl in gnangarra for example 6 new high schools, 30 primary schools and potentially adding new parks and recreational reserves which will support 20,000 jobs
* The east wanneroo DSP will effect many wetland including lake adams and little coogee flat which will no be monitored by the city of wanneroo 
* The area of the affected wet land has been surveyed and granted managemnt planning approval by bodies such as the department of biodiversity, conservation and attractiond and specific restoration requirements ahev been identified.

Question 2

explain the planning strategy used to address the challenge of urban sprawl- urban infill

Answer 2

1. Perth and Peel@3.5million aims to address urban sprawl by transforming Perth and Peel into a compact, consolidated, and connected city for a 3.5 million population by 2050.
2. This strategy builds upon the vision of “Directions 2031 and Beyond.”
3. Focuses on changing housing development patterns via infill measures.
4. Urban infill means developing within existing urban areas.
5. Infill can take place in disused industrial areas, institutional sites, under-utilised properties, vacant buildings, and single houses on large sites.
6. The goal is to use existing developed areas effectively and decrease city-edge housing developments.
7. Examples of increasing density in Perth: consolidation, infilling, and redevelopment.
8. 47% of the expected 1.5 million additional residents by 2050 will be housed through urban infill.
9. Most urban infill will be in Perth’s inner sub-region, growing from 0.75 million in 2016 to 1.25 million in 2050.
10. Perth and Peel infill rate increased from 38% in 2018 to 44% in 2020, a 15% rise since 2013.
11. R-Codes by WAPC determine dwelling density on land; for example, R20 permits up to 20 dwellings on a 10,000-square metre plot.
12. R-Codes have been a part of WA’s planning since the 1970s, evolving over time.
13. The WAPC adjusted R-Codes in some regions, compelling local councils to increase housing density in developed areas.
14. Most infill comes from high-density apartment developments or ‘build and replace’ methods.
15. Infill contributes to slowing urban sprawl but can strain local transport and amenities.
16. Infrastructure upgrades are essential to handle the pressure from infill development.

Infill might lead to pricier replacement dwellings, potentially deterring buyers from urban areas.

Question 3

explain planning strategies used to address the challenge- medium residential density codes

Answer 3

1. Design WA Initiative: State Government initiative to enhance the built environment design quality.
2. Medium Density Code Policy: Reformed to promote vibrant, liveable communities in metropolitan areas.
3. Intended Use: A guide for planning well-designed medium density housing, especially in METRONET precincts.
4. Medium-Density Housing Definition: Housing between traditional detached homes and high-rise apartments, applicable to residential buildings up to four storeys.
5. Housing Types: Includes semi-detached houses, villas, townhouses, terrace houses, and low-rise apartments.
6. Addressing the ‘Missing Middle’: Fills the gap between low and high-density homes, enhancing neighbourhoods and streetscapes.
7. State’s Infill Target: Assists in achieving the state’s goal, meeting the projected 376,000 new homes in the Established Residential Zone.
8. Public Perception: Only 19% of Perth residents support increasing density; current infill developments cause significant tree canopy loss.
9. Economic Impact: Current infill development approach costs the community $117 million annually due to inefficiencies.
10. Medium-Density Housing Sales: From 2010-2019, 23,444 medium-density dwellings were sold in metropolitan Perth, 50% in middle-ring suburbs like Balga and Morley.
11. Revised Medium Density Codes: Promotes a more diverse style of medium-density dwellings.
12. Policy Drafting Trial: Involvement of 12 leading architects and designers, creating 24 schemes for six lot scenarios, to refine the policy.
13. Trial Outcomes: Potential for 22% housing yield increase, 1,600% canopy cover increase, with diverse designs at negligible construction cost.
14. Key Policy Elements: Focus on better housing design, providing diverse choices, and meeting community needs.
15. Addressing Urban Sprawl: The policy offers a sustainable alternative to peripheral city building, aiming to mitigate Perth’s urban sprawl challenge.

Question 4

• evaluate the planning strategies MRDC to address the challenge, using the concept of sustainability (economic)

Answer 4

6. Economic Trial Findings: Design trials showed minor increases in construction costs but have broader economic benefits when considering externalities.
7. Externa Costs: Maintaining the current medium-density design approach incurs an estimated annual cost of $117 million to the government.

Developer Returns: Despite complexities in codes, developers can anticipate higher housing yields and return

Question 5

• evaluate the planning strategy urban infill to address the challenge of urban sprawl, using the concept of sustainability (economic)

Answer 5

6. Implementing the strategy can save the government $94.5 million per 1,000 lots developed in inner urban areas, given the reduced infrastructure costs.
7. Businesses can potentially see increased revenue due to enhanced productivity from reduced congestion.
8. Urban infill can decrease long-distance work trips by about a third, reducing daily trips from 400,000.
9. Infill near key centres and train stations encourages residents to live and work locally, minimizing travel needs
10. Despite these advantages, urban infill hasn’t increased housing affordability due to limited housing diversity

Question 6

• evaluate the planning strategy MRDC used to address the challenge, using the concept of sustainability (ENVIRONMENTAL)

Answer 6

1. : Good urban design results in holistic community improvements - environmentally, economically, and socially.

2: Medium Density Codes emphasize green spaces, enhancing ecology, neighborhood character, and providing privacy

3. Consultations revealed strong support for garden areas from local government, community, and design industry.
4. Gardens and trees promote fauna habitats, improved shade, stormwater management, and reduce urban heat islands.

cons: Some argue garden size requirements are too large, which may impact affordability.

Question 7

• evaluate the extent to which the planning strategy, URBAN INFILL is used to address the challenge, and if it has or will enhance the place’s liveability

Answer 7

1. Liveability examines a community’s quality of life in relation to its natural and built environments.
   
   2. The debate in Perth leans towards “infill good, sprawl bad.”
   3. Background infill has brought varied liveability results, especially in middle-ring suburbs 5-15 km from the CBD.
   4. Traditional infill projects, with long driveways and fewer trees, have been met with industry and community resistance.
   5. Figure 8.3.21 polls residents about concerns regarding the government’s headline strategy on infill.
   6. Liveability factors include garden areas, canopy cover for climate regulation, and improved air quality.
   7. Reduced reliance on cars, due to proximity to transport, promotes more social engagement and improved quality of life.
   8. Optimal living standards support flexible configurations, open plan living, and multifunctional areas.
   9. Medium-density infill offers better service access, reduced transport costs, and diverse housing in sought-after suburbs.
   10. Such developments can enhance the area’s amenity, as elaborated in Figure 8.3.26.

Question 8

• evaluate the planning strategy urban infill used to address the challenge, using the concept of sustainability (ENVIRONMENTAL)

Answer 8

1. Smart urban infill can reduce environmental impacts by limiting land clearing and habitat fragmentation.
2. Since 2010, there’s been a 40% reduction in land clearing on urban fringes.

cons:

3. Despite the benefits, only 47% of the target infill development was achieved in 2020, leading to more dwellings on the urban fringe than in infill areas.
4. Many infill developments have been criticized for poor design, decreased privacy, and reduced canopy cover.

These design flaws in infill areas can amplify environmental impacts despite the strategy’s intent

Question 9

• evaluate the planning strategy MRDC used to address urban sprawl challenge, using the concept of sustainability (SOCIAL)

Answer 9

9. Social Benefits: Medium-density developments improve access to services, jobs, and transportation.
10. Resident Preferences: Offers residents options to stay in familiar suburbs or buy their first home near loved ones.
11. Moving Trends: Data indicates 70% of metropolitan residents move within a 10-kilometre radius of their previous home.
12. Community Concerns: The policy revision incorporates public feedback on medium-density developments.
13. Key Community Considerations: Emphasis on garden spaces, natural light, climate-adaptive design, parking, and neighborhood-consistent facades.
14. Policy’s Four Key Elements: Address public concerns, making the design socially responsive and sustainable.
15. Overall Impact: The combined efforts result in an environmentally, economically, and socially sustainable urban design.

Question 10

• evaluate the planning strategy urban infill used to address the challenge, using the concept of sustainability (social)

Answer 10

11. Urban infill can offer affordable housing options, but should enhance area quality, amenity, and value for community sustainability.
12. There’s community opposition in Perth, fearing infill might deplete green spaces and remove the unique character of suburbs.
13. Concerns also include increased traffic, parking issues, and potential property value drops, especially in western suburbs like City Beach and Nedlands.
14. A comparison exists between densely populated Tuart Hill and the affluent suburb of City Beach regarding infill experiences.

Early and active public engagement can address concerns and clarify the vision of infill developments.

Question 11

• evaluate the extent to which the planning strategy, MRDC is used to address the challenge, and if it has or will enhance the place’s liveability

Answer 11

The policy improves the built environment by ensuring that new developments fir harmoniously and bring value to the existinf communities.
- Including provisions to manage privacy and security residents are able to feel a stronger sense of safety in their neighbourhood.
- Health is improved by retention of trees and increased canopy cover which all regulate climate and improve air quality.
- Less relianceon cars due to proximity to transport networks decreasinf commute timesand more tiem engaging in socail activities which will enhance a citizens quality of life
- Closer to employment reduce transport costs
- More diverseand affordable hosung options

Question 12

explain the scope of urban sprawl

Answer 12

Unofficially holds the title of the city with the longest suberbam sprawl in the world
Extent-
- Dicided in 33 local govenemtn areas with over 350 suburbs
- The urban boundary extends form two rocks to dawesville in the south and east inland to the lakes.
- Takes 2 hours to drive from one end of perth to the other with greater perth metro area stretching 150km along the coast and is ecpected to expand to 250 by 2050
Growth
- Since 1970s perth populationsize has doubled
- Most population growth has been in southwest, south east and north west corridors
- Areas with the largest growth were located on the fringest of the city; ellenbrook (1700), baldivis (1500), forestdale (1500)
Dwelling density and blocksizes
- The higher density form of thses suburbs is a direct impact of polices for urban consonidation
- consolidation lead the avg dwelling density of new development greenfeilds 23.4 dwellings per hectare, representing a significant increase from 12 dwellings in 2010
Leading to a decrease in backyards spaces

Question 13

explain the causes of urban development

Answer 13

Car ownership
- Increased mobility
- The car allowd for flexibility and convienicen in tavel allowing for extensive expansion in residential deveopments as people could live farther away from city center
- In 1955 and 1985 car ownership grew faster in WA than anystate beginning to determine the morphology of the area with freeways and hwys being built
- By the late 20th century existing transport systems were overtalen by urban expansion and transport infrustructure has to be built to catch up to urban sprwlling population

Chasing the australian dream
- Dream of owning a large piece of land by the coast
- The coastal living offering my different lifestyle qualities making it attractive.
- Therefore population growing faster in coastal areas

Housing afordability
- Housing has been becoming less affordable in metropolitian area
- In early 2022 over 3 months eprht experienced a 1.5% increase to its median hous price bringing it to $622k
- 67% of residents would choose to live in the central sub region such as bayswater, claremont, freo, subi, vic park. But cannot afford it
- Developments on urban fringe over a lanf and house package which target younger families

Question 14

explain the impacts of urban sprawl

Answer 14

environmental impacts
- most developments in greenfeilds, resulting in more land clearing espcially on the coastal plain with only 29% of vegitation remaining in the metro area
- threatens many endemic species the carnebys black cockatoo being one= seeing a 50% decrease in numbers over 45yearsdue to destruction of habitat and feeding grounds
- city of wanneroo had a long history of agricultural production but 80% of the area has been invaded due to land use conflicts

economic impacts
- government high expenses on building ion pheriphery of citydue to providing srvices including roads, water, communications, power, health and emergancy services
- higher car ownership as people are more inclined to travel into the city for wok

social
- lack of greenery reducing attractiveness of the area
- trees in these areas also promote mental wellness, reducing stress, heart rate and blood pressure
- greenery also minimises urba heat island effect by bringing avg temps down