Abbott_S_Networked regional cities

part of the peri urban conversation

REGIONAL NETWORK CITIES

Steven Abbott, Strategic Planner

INTRODUCTION

• Future thinking in peri urban landscapes

• Policy gap in peri urban planning

• Regional Network Cities

• Bendigo as an example

• Considered as part of the conversation

• Fundamentally tied to metropolitan systems

• Just like any ‘peri urban’ region – influences by and connected to ‘urban’

THE HISTORICAL CONTEXT

• About how peri urban landscapes haven't had the required attention

• And about how they’re understood by communities and individuals

THE EMERGENCE OF MID-SIZED CITIES

• It’s no longer just about the big five

• Genuine alternatives and highly liveable

• They’re growing fast!

• Policy is beginning to acknowledge their importance

• Some say because they have to

WHAT DOES AN ‘EMERGENCE’ LOOK LIKE?

• A university that has 5000 students and growing rapidly (~6% per year)

• 400% increase in V/line patronage since 2005

• 7% annual increase in medium house price

• These are products of people conceiving the place ‘differently’

Lots of things you can’t

see

over 13kms of powerlines

relocated underground

Lots of things that no one

really notices!

Over 10kms of footpaths

upgraded

Hundreds of deciduous

street trees planted to

provide shade in summer

and sunlight in winter

Tree in place in 2000

Planted since 2000

The number of outdoor

dining permits has

increased by 330% over

the past 13 years

2000 - 21 permits

2013 - 69 permits

THE POTENTIAL TO FILL A VOID

• I think these mid sized cities are important for the future

• Policy makers should consider their role in peri urban policy development

• Bridge the divide between city and country

REGIONAL NETWORK CITIES

• A polycentric settlement model across a region

• Network model is not new idea.

• A network city evolves when two or more previously independent cities strive to cooperate

• Prioritise knowledge-based activities like research, education and the creative arts

• Each urban player stands to benefit from the synergies of interactive

• Complementary function rather than proximity

REGIONS THAT…

• Work together to understand what each other need

• Are coordinated to be competitive in scarce economic climates

• Strong social and community capital

• Already on a self propelling journey

• And ask themselves, “how do these investment support the region?”

THAT CAN BE CHARACTERISED BY

• Innovation

• Connectedness

• Altruistic Leadership

• Future focussed

STRATEGIC THOUGHT

• Seek to better understand the continuing and future role of mid sized regional cities

around Australia as successful and supportive centres within peri urban regions.

• Need to be considered as part of the conversation and policy agenda.

• A vision for integration across each level of government.

• Compact urban structures with peri urban landscapes that are improving biodiversity, land

rehabilitation and conservation, and diverse productivity.

• Places like Bendigo are regionally collaborative and globally competitive.

• Regional networks understand key services and infrastructure needs to enable greater

interaction for health services, education, arts and culture, economic development, and

people!

THANK YOU

s.abbott@bendigo.vic.gov.au

@abbott_steven

www.bendigo.vic.gov.au

www.pinterest.com/greaterbendigo/

www.youtube.com/cityofgreaterbendigo