How does urban policy influence quality of life? The case of Canberra, Australia

Hitomi Nakanishi

Policy Studies, 2015, vol. 36, issue 1, 72-91

Abstract: The centennial city of Canberra, the Australian capital, has been developed following stringent planning concepts to deliver liveable neighbourhoods. The built environment of Canberra was strongly influenced by the Garden City concept in the early days and the New Town Development model in the 1960s and 1970s. While enhancing quality of life (QoL) is increasingly emphasised in urban planning, little empirical research has been done to assess how urban planning underpins this better QoL. This research examines the relationship between urban policy and QoL in Canberra by applying an integrated policy evaluation tool. The neighbourhoods of Canberra have been divided into seven districts for spatial analysis. The QoL level in each district was compared and the Belconnen and Tuggeranong districts were identified as achieving a lower QoL than other districts. Key indicators that were closely linked with the QoL level in these districts were identified. Using scenario analysis, the article identifies the changes to QoL in the two districts which could result from improving these key factors. The article proposes a method of mapping the interdisciplinary issues with the related urban policy and concludes with the implications for urban planning and further analysis.

Date: 2015
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DOI: 10.1080/01442872.2014.981059

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