With government plans to increase the amount of land used for affordable housing in Melbourne, Australia, some say it's time for a regional planning entity.
"The Victorian Government's decision this week to release new land for more affordable housing in well-planned communities is socially appropriate. But how can we ensure that these new areas will provide the best, most sustainable and interesting environment that the residents can afford? How will the promise of new community be delivered?"
"One thing is certain and that is we will not preserve and reshape Melbourne by accident. If we are to preserve the best of what we have while making the city even more liveable, exciting and sustainable, we need to empower government to lead this effort at a metropolitan level. A metropolitan planning authority could integrate the plans of transport and infrastructure authorities, define pockets of higher density and produce appropriate controls - in effect, it could make things happen. Backed by ministerial authority, such an organisation could provide the decisive leadership needed to create Australia's largest city without losing the essential qualities of the Melbourne we know and love."
FULL STORY: Many hands make planning hard work
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