705-331 Sustainability Policy and Planning

Sustainability is an ever more important component of policy in an increasingly global and complex world. This subject explores what sustainabilty means for planning 21^stcentury cities. How can global, national, state and local policies shape the sustainability of cities? What will it take to achieve the sustainable city? How will we know if sustainability has been achieved?

The subject firstly provides critical analysis of the concept of sustainability, its many definitions and interpretations. The concept is explored in terms of its historical, social, cultural, environmental and economic implications and the interrelationship between these. Possibilities for sustainability will be investigated through an analysis of the management of physical environments with a focus on water management. Policy case studies will be presented and international examples are used as lessons for, and comparisons to, Australia.

On completion of this subject students should be able to:

• Critically evaluate the achievement of sustainability in cities, in particular the sustainable management of water resources

• Critically evaluate conventional and alternative water management approaches in relation to their ability to achieve sustainable management

• Identify elements of built form which do, and do not, contribute to the sustainable management of natural resources

• Demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between urban form, community attitudes to natural processes, resource management and policy promoting sustainability

• Analyse and evaluate government policy and propose innovative institutional solutions.

Short essay 750 words (15%), a field trip report (15%), group poster and presentation (30%), research essay of 2500 words (30%), class attendance and participation (10%).