Re-imagining the Australian Suburb

Our project statement :

“To examine, critique and review the sustainability of current urban development and the potential for its improvement in the future.”

Re-imagining the Australian Suburb is a umbrella research project which uses a triple helix approach – examining the social, economic and environmental consequences of current housing development and the potential in the future for this to be more sustainable.

The project is a collaborative effort involving the work of research managers, PhD and masters students. We work closely with industry partners such as the City of Whittlesea, VicUrban, Stockland, Metricon, Australand, Port Phillip and Westernport Catchment Management Authority, to name just a few, to develop information and frameworks that will aid the integration of sustainability into industry processes and policy.

Our research currently targets specific urban development issues such as:

Local employment	Housing affordability
Transit oriented development	Biodiversity planning
Industry processes and policy	Habitat Hectares & Net Gains policy
Sustainability integration into local government and the building industry	Water re-use and treatment

Much of the research is being carried out in the Epping North and Mernda growth corridors in the City of Whittlesea where it is expected that between 30,000 and 40,000 homes will be built over the next 10-15 years. This area is perfect for a multidisciplinary, triple helix approach, because of its mix of public and private development, a green wedge and the support of the local council.