Ecological Sustainability and Urban Development
This research project examines the contribution that Aurora, a new master-planned community in Melbourne, can make to improving the ecological sustainability of housing developments on the urban fringe. The researchers on this project work in partnership with VicUrban, the Victorian Government land development agency responsible for Aurora. The researchers will examine the way that VicUrban implements sustainability in its strategic planning and everyday operations. The expected outcome is a framework for planning and implementing ecological sustainability in urban development, including organizational processes and sustainability indicators.
The Aurora residential development is located 20 kilometres north of Melbourne in the City of Whittlesea. Aurora will comprise of 8,500 homes, with an expected population of 25,000 and has a number of innovative features that encourage environmental awareness and social sustainability. The estate started development in 2004, and the first stage will be sold late in 2005. The expected completion date for the whole development is 2015.
Project Descriptions
The individual research projects nested within this cluster include:
- Evaluating the performance of ecologically sustainable fringe developments – Joe Hurley
- Understanding ecological sustainability in planning processes – Geoffrey Binder
Evaluating the performance of ecologically sustainable fringe developments
Researcher: Joe Hurley
Joe will be developing a methodological framework to measure the actual performance of housing development estates. The Aurora residential development will be used as the primary case study for his research as it will allow him to create a methodology that will measure the performance of the development progressively. He will examine what constitutes best practice in performance management and assessment in urban fringe residential development and if a method be developed to aid industry decision-making.
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Understanding ecological sustainability in planning processes
Researcher: Geoffrey Binder
This project will examine the form and nature of the organisational and inter-organisational processes used by VicUrban to plan for sustainability in the development of Aurora and guide its interactions with other actors involved in the planning and development process.
The methodological approach to be used will draw broadly on social constructivist theory. The researcher will rely primarily on document analysis and interviews as a source for the research.
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For further information:
VicUrban - Information on the Aurora residential development