Discover the Secret European Cities Are Using to Drastically Improve Daily Life – Why Isn't Australia Keeping Up?
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The concept of the '15-minute city' has been gaining traction as a blueprint for urban development, promising a lifestyle where all essential services and amenities are within a 15-minute reach by public transport, bike, or foot. This urban design philosophy aims to enhance the quality of life by reducing reliance on cars, cutting down commute times, and fostering local communities. However, a recent international study has revealed that Australia is trailing behind Europe in creating these accessible urban havens.
The study, published in Nature Cities, utilized a new online tool to analyze around 10,000 locations worldwide, assessing their proximity to becoming 15-minute cities. The findings were clear: European cities, with their compact design and robust public transport systems, are leading the way. Cities like Paris and Barcelona, which have actively implemented policies to increase local access to services, show a more evenly distributed accessibility that challenges the typical centre-periphery divide.
In contrast, Australian cities such as Melbourne and Sydney exhibit a stark difference in access to services between the inner-city areas and the outer suburbs. The research highlights a tale of two cities within one, where the central and inner neighborhoods enjoy higher densities and better public transport, while the middle and outer suburbs are characterized by lower densities and infrequent services, leading to increased car dependency.
Associate Professor Crystal Legacy from the University of Melbourne points out that despite policies aimed at creating 15-minute cities being in place for about 30 years, Australia has failed to deliver, particularly in areas underserved by high-quality public transport. Dr. Alan Both from the Australian Urban Observatory echoes this sentiment, noting that Australian cities have expanded in the era of the automobile, leading to sprawling suburbs that lack the compactness of their European counterparts.
So, what can Australian cities do to catch up? Dr. Legacy suggests a reimagining of suburb planning, focusing on creating places that people want to live in, where they feel a sense of ownership and are open to reshaping over time. This place-based approach to planning would prioritize the integration of public transport and essential services from the outset, rather than retrofitting them after the fact.
Dr. Both sees increasing bus services as a key solution, especially for suburbs in new growth areas. Buses offer flexibility that trains and trams do not, as routes can be easily adjusted to meet changing needs without the high costs associated with laying down tracks.
The benefits of embracing the 15-minute city model are manifold. It can lead to healthier lifestyles, with more opportunities for walking and cycling, reduced air pollution, and a stronger sense of community as people engage more with their local area. Moreover, it can alleviate the stress of long commutes, giving residents back precious time to spend with family or on leisure activities.
For our senior members, the appeal of the 15-minute city is particularly strong. The convenience of having amenities close by can be a game-changer, making daily errands and accessing healthcare much easier. It also fosters a sense of independence and social connection, which are crucial for well-being in later life.
As Australian cities continue to grow, the call for a shift towards the 15-minute city model becomes more urgent. It's a vision that requires commitment from policymakers, urban planners, and communities alike. By learning from the successes of European cities and adapting these principles to the Australian context, there's an opportunity to reshape our urban landscapes for the better, creating cities that are not only more livable but also more sustainable for future generations.
We'd love to hear your thoughts on this, dear readers. Have you experienced the benefits of living in a more accessible neighborhood? What changes would you like to see in your own suburbs to move towards the 15-minute city ideal? Share your stories and insights in the comments below!
The study, published in Nature Cities, utilized a new online tool to analyze around 10,000 locations worldwide, assessing their proximity to becoming 15-minute cities. The findings were clear: European cities, with their compact design and robust public transport systems, are leading the way. Cities like Paris and Barcelona, which have actively implemented policies to increase local access to services, show a more evenly distributed accessibility that challenges the typical centre-periphery divide.
In contrast, Australian cities such as Melbourne and Sydney exhibit a stark difference in access to services between the inner-city areas and the outer suburbs. The research highlights a tale of two cities within one, where the central and inner neighborhoods enjoy higher densities and better public transport, while the middle and outer suburbs are characterized by lower densities and infrequent services, leading to increased car dependency.
International research indicates that few cities worldwide meet the ‘15-minute’ criteria, where essential services are accessible within that time by public transport. Credit: Shutterstock
Associate Professor Crystal Legacy from the University of Melbourne points out that despite policies aimed at creating 15-minute cities being in place for about 30 years, Australia has failed to deliver, particularly in areas underserved by high-quality public transport. Dr. Alan Both from the Australian Urban Observatory echoes this sentiment, noting that Australian cities have expanded in the era of the automobile, leading to sprawling suburbs that lack the compactness of their European counterparts.
So, what can Australian cities do to catch up? Dr. Legacy suggests a reimagining of suburb planning, focusing on creating places that people want to live in, where they feel a sense of ownership and are open to reshaping over time. This place-based approach to planning would prioritize the integration of public transport and essential services from the outset, rather than retrofitting them after the fact.
Dr. Both sees increasing bus services as a key solution, especially for suburbs in new growth areas. Buses offer flexibility that trains and trams do not, as routes can be easily adjusted to meet changing needs without the high costs associated with laying down tracks.
The benefits of embracing the 15-minute city model are manifold. It can lead to healthier lifestyles, with more opportunities for walking and cycling, reduced air pollution, and a stronger sense of community as people engage more with their local area. Moreover, it can alleviate the stress of long commutes, giving residents back precious time to spend with family or on leisure activities.
For our senior members, the appeal of the 15-minute city is particularly strong. The convenience of having amenities close by can be a game-changer, making daily errands and accessing healthcare much easier. It also fosters a sense of independence and social connection, which are crucial for well-being in later life.
As Australian cities continue to grow, the call for a shift towards the 15-minute city model becomes more urgent. It's a vision that requires commitment from policymakers, urban planners, and communities alike. By learning from the successes of European cities and adapting these principles to the Australian context, there's an opportunity to reshape our urban landscapes for the better, creating cities that are not only more livable but also more sustainable for future generations.
