Auckland Conversations
Distinguished Professor Peter Newman - Curtain Sustainability Policy Institute, Perth
The Return of the City
Cities have entered a whole new era as they simultaneously around the world are reversing major trends that caused them to suburbanise around the car.
The 21st century is marked by the peaking in car use, the dramatic growth in sustainable transport, and the increase in urban density after 100 years of decline. These changes are clear in all the world’s developed cities and the first signs are there in emerging cities as well.
The causes are multiple including fuel prices, traffic limits, economic and financial limits to car dependence, and probably most of all a revival in the culture of urbanism especially amongst the young.
The implications for any city to remain competitive include the need to emphasise quality rail transit systems, walking and cycling sensitive streets, and the majority of urban development to be focussed on redevelopment of urban centres.
The linkage of these policies with new land value capture financing is now a major driver in cities attempting to meet the market for this sustainable urbanism
Professor Peter Newman will share Perth's experience and the positive difference that rail has made to Perth as a city, and draw lessons for Auckland as we move in a more sustainable direction towards delivering on the Auckland Plan.
Professor Peter Newman has recently received one of Australia's highest honours by being appointed an Officer (AO) of the Order of Australia for his contributions to urban design and sustainable transport.
