Transitioning to sustainable cities

AUSTRALIA'S cities and regional centres are under increasing pressure to adapt to population growth, a changing climate and technological disruption.

The CSIRO is leading scientific research to inform government policies addressing these issues. The agency will outline its progress when it appears before the Committee on Infrastructure, Transport and Cities tomorrow as part of the Committee’s inquiry into the Australian Government’s role in the development of cities.

Committee Chair, John Alexander OAM MP, said it’s very important that there is a strong evidence base informing government policies to increase the resilience and adaptability of Australian cities and regional centres.

“Our inquiry is examining the Commonwealth Government’s role in ensuring that the nation’s cities and regional areas are ready to sustainably accommodate much larger populations. It is critical that any recommendations we make are well grounded in science,” said Mr Alexander.

“CSIRO has done extensive research in this space, particularly in examining cities from a systems perspective. We’re looking forward to discussing the different components which make up cities and considering how they interact to influence the liveability and environmental sustainability of cities.

“We’d also like to hear CSIRO’s perspective on the potential for developing brand new state-of-the-art environmental cities.”

CSIRO said, “Australia is already highly urbanised with 89 per cent of our citizens living in cities or towns of more than 1 000 people”.

“This represents a significant opportunity for our nation to lead the world through showcases of international leading practice in urban development and creating commercial outcomes through the global export of sustainability knowledge and innovations.”

 

Public hearing details: 5.00 pm – 6.30 pm, Tuesday 5 September 2017, Committee Room 1R3, Parliament House, Canberra

5.00 pm: Commonwealth Scientific & Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO)

6.30 pm: Close

The hearing will be broadcast live at aph.gov.au/live

Further information on the inquiry, including the full terms of reference, is available on the Committee website.

Interested members of the public may wish to track the inquiry via the Committee’s website.

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