Australian cities pay the price for blocking council input

In many countries, city-shaping mega-projects are generally overseen by local government, but in Australia state governments often step in and exclude council and community representatives from the process.

Ditch the car to improve Sydney’s liveability

The problem in fast-growing Sydney isn’t too many people, it’s too many cars, says a UNSW urban design expert.

Rewrite the building code to restore apartment buyer confidence

Governments and regulators assume compliance with building regulations will restore public confidence, but complying with the National Construction Code won’t fix many common defects.

A tale of ghost cities in Australia and China

While the ‘ghost cities’ in China are unlikely to occur in Australia, some worrying trends in this country should guard against complacency.

Reframing ‘Australian ugliness’

This year marks the centenary of architect Robin Boyd’s birth. He was well-known for his scathing assessment of Australian popular architecture and design, but did Boyd eventually change his mind?

Making better use of waste water

As regional Australian towns face the prospect of running out of water, it’s time to ask why Australia does not make better use of recycled wastewater.

Renters can be trapped for years in homes they can’t afford

After paying rent, more than half of low-income tenants don’t have enough left over for other essentials, and the latest evidence shows nearly half of them can be stuck in this situation for years.

Is our water safe to drink?

High standards of potable water depend on good policies, but current systems and legislation may not always be supported by solid scientific research or best practice in public health.

Urban forest or concrete jungle?

Melbourne’s council wants a greener city to counter the effects of climate change, but it also promotes higher density for new housing, with ever bigger apartment blocks and smaller gardens. Is there any way to square the circle?

Bigger on the inside?

Could Australia’s housing crisis be solved, not with a bold expensive plan, but with sneaky, under-the-radar remedies? Architectural researcher Alysia Bennett has been working on some strategies she thinks might work.

Australia needs a national shipbuilding authority

Australia’s investment in its navy should both defend the nation better and strengthen its economy. A national shipbuilding authority could help deliver both results.

Making Australia’s most liveable city more inclusive

Melbourne is a great city to live in, but it can do better for people with a disability by making it more accessible and inclusive.