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Could an Andrews government really deliver on transport promises?
November 25, 2014
One of Victorian Labor’s key promises is to remove 50 of Melbourne’s worst level crossings over 8 years. If it wins government this Saturday it might’ve promised more than it can deliver.
Does the gong for ‘world’s most liveable city’ mean anything?
August 21, 2014
Five Australasian cities and three Canadian cities once again dominate the annual Global Liveability Index, but it doesn’t tell us much about cities as places to live, or the differences between them.
Is Sydney’s Cloud Arch sculpture just a giant logo?
August 4, 2014
Sydney City Council’s proposed giant Cloud Arch sculpture looks good, but means little. Australia’s premier city should aspire to something more authentic than a giant logo.
Why city centre apartments won’t be the slums of the future
July 28, 2014
One of the most persistent and widespread criticisms of city centre apartment towers is they’ll inevitably be “the slums of tomorrow”. But does the claim hold up on closer examination?
Should the government intervene in housing design?
July 25, 2014
The Victorian Government Architect is proposing a mandatory design standard for apartments. But it’s not all milk and honey; it’ll lower housing supply, raise costs and reduce housing choice
How Brisbane’s car-free bridge changed the spread of the city
July 17, 2014
Brisbane's car-free Eleanor Schonell Bridge has been a huge success. Should cities look at replicating the concept?
Tea Party planning: Tecoma McDonald’s v Bendigo mosque
July 4, 2014
What happens when ideology gets in the way of town planning?
Does high visibility clothing really help cyclists?
July 3, 2014
There’s an emerging meme that high visibility clothing doesn't make cycling safer. In certain limited circumstances that’s probably true but in most situations being easily seen still makes good sense.
Guns in your neighbourhood
July 1, 2014
Licensed gun ownership is mostly a country phenomenon, but even if you live in the inner suburbs it’s likely there are hundreds of firearms in dwellings within the same postcode as you.
Does housing supply impact on inequality?
June 30, 2014
More residential developments are being approved in Melbourne than in Sydney. Is this the cause of the harbour city's housing woes?
Is the fuel excise a ‘carbon tax on steroids’?
June 16, 2014
It might’ve been a gaffe, but Tony Abbott is right to say the fuel excise is effectively a carbon tax. The Greens and Labor should support the Government’s plan to restore indexation of the fuel excise.
Shoeboxes and studios: how small can CBD apartments get?
June 13, 2014
A new report proposes a mandatory minimum size of 50 sq metres for one bedroom apartments. But having a better apartment isn’t much use if you can no longer afford to live in it.
Will we drive less in the future?
June 12, 2014
Australians are driving a lot less than they did even ten years ago, largely because of changes in technology. Although cars will remain the main mode for a long time yet, we’ll likely drive less in the future.
Why bikeshare schemes failed to take off in Australia
June 10, 2014
Tourists and locals have failed to embrace Brisbane's Citycycle and Melbourne's Bikeshare programs. Elliot Fishman says helmet laws aren't solely to blame.
Should we be aiming for a road toll of zero?
June 2, 2014
It’s common enough to hear a politician justify a public policy by arguing “if it saves just one life it’s worth doing”. Sounds noble, but they almost always fail to consider all the costs.
Should repealing the bicycle helmet law be a priority?
May 29, 2014
Repeal of Australia’s mandatory bicycle helmet law is a key demand of many cycling advocates. But the likely gains are dwarfed by those from better cycling infrastructure and regulation of drivers.
Is congestion pricing too inequitable?
May 27, 2014
Intense public concern at the negative equity effects of the Budget doesn’t seem to bode well for key urban policy ideas like congestion pricing.
Melbourne Rail Link has more pros than cons
May 12, 2014
Some of the criticisms of the Napthine government’s new Melbourne Rail Link miss the big picture. writes Alan Davies.
Which road users are most likely to end up in hospital?
May 7, 2014
Focusing on road fatalities ignores the impact of serious injuries caused by collisions on our roads.
Should cyclists need a licence to ride on public roads?
May 5, 2014
The NSW government is considering it, but there's nothing to prove licensing would make cycling safer.