The capacity of state and local government to deliver land use transport integration: an analysis of land use and transport policies in Perth and Melbourne

Abstract

Reducing the need to travel, particularly where there is reliance on the car as the primary mode of travel has multiple benefits to sustainability. Many cities, including Perth and Melbourne, have been designed with the car as the primary travel mode. Diversifying transport options can be enabled through the integration of land use and transport planning, both to deliver an integrated transport network and to structure land use and activity in cities to provide greater opportunities for walking cycling and public transport use. A policy framework through which this can be achieved is essential.In the last decade Australian planners have renewed interest in planning strategies that integrate of land use and transport to achieve more sustainable travel outcomes. There is a National Charter on Integrated Land Use and Transport Planning and providing access to public transport through integration with land use activity is the key focus of metropolitan planning strategies for Australian cities. Some states have gone further, harnessing the efforts of local government, such as the „Integrated Transport Planning Partnering Agreement‟ in Western Australia to improve collaboration. Given this impetus it is reasonable to expect policies at state and local government to reflect the principles of land use transport integration.