This is an opinion article written by Lynne Strong

As our community stands on the edge of crucial urban development decisions, we must face the fact that our traditional love for a quarter-acre block and McMansions, is unsustainable. This familiar model of suburban living, while attractive, carries significant environmental and economic costs. If we persist in this direction, we risk turning our treasured green spaces into concrete jungles.

Australia’s housing footprint is the largest globally. The average Australian home is around 230 square meters, considerably larger than homes in most other countries. This extensive use of space not only consumes more land but also requires more resources for construction and upkeep, leading to higher carbon emissions.

Urban design plays a vital role in sustainability. Research indicates that narrower streets can significantly reduce accidents and enhance community aesthetics and liveability. A study on traffic speeds in suburban streets found that lowering speed limits from 65 km/h to 60 km/h reduced accidents per million kilometres travelled by over 250%. Further reducing speed limits to 40 km/h almost eliminated accidents, demonstrating the safety benefits of thoughtful urban design.

Our current dependence on private vehicles is unsustainable. The average Australian household owns 1.8 cars, contributing significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. Moreover, the average car costs about $12,000 a year to run and maintain. Investing in efficient and extensive public transportation can help mitigate this issue. Public transport networks reduce the number of cars on the road, decrease traffic congestion, and lower overall emissions. For instance, each full bus can potentially take 40 cars off the road, significantly cutting traffic and emissions. Currently only 0.6% of Kiama LGA residents use public transport. Source

A shift towards housing diversity and increased density is essential. Implementing mixed-use developments that integrate residential, commercial, and recreational spaces can reduce the need for long commutes and foster vibrant, self-sufficient communities. Higher density living close to public transport, such as apartment complexes and townhouses, uses land more efficiently and supports a broader range of housing needs, from young professionals to elderly residents.

The benefits of well-planned urban environments extend to public safety. Studies indicate that areas with higher housing density and mixed-use development tend to have lower crime rates. This is due to increased foot traffic and community engagement, which enhance neighbourhood vigilance and social cohesion.

Compact, walkable towns designed to reduce car dependency and enhance local employment can significantly improve both economic vibrancy and environmental sustainability. For example, reducing residents' annual private car usage by up to 30% and increasing housing density by over 50% compared to conventional sprawl can lead to substantial economic savings and environmental benefits. Source

To avoid the grim prospect of turning our green spaces into concrete jungles, we need to embrace thoughtful urban planning that prioritises sustainability. Narrower streets, diverse housing options, and robust public transport systems are critical components of this vision. By rethinking our housing preferences and urban design principles, we can ensure a sustainable future that preserves our natural landscapes, enhances community well-being. honours our natural heritage and meets the needs of future generations.

By rethinking our housing preferences and urban design principles, we can ensure a sustainable future that preserves our natural landscapes, enhances community well-being, honours our natural heritage and meets the needs of future generations.

Probing Questions for Local Council Candidates

1. How do you plan to integrate sustainable urban design principles, such as narrower streets and mixed-use developments, to reduce our community’s ecological footprint?

2. What specific measures will you implement to improve public transportation infrastructure and reduce our reliance on private vehicles, thereby lowering greenhouse gas emissions?