Newly appointed Shadow Minister for Cities Anthony Albanese relayed his support for the 30 minute city concept in a speech to the National Press Club in Canberra this month.
“I’m particularly attracted to consideration of the 30 minute City concept promoted by some policy thinkers in this area, including the
Bus Industry Confederation,” he told delegates.
“I am aware that some argue for the 20 minute City, but better to under-promise and over-deliver.”
Watch Albanese give his National Press Club speech
The 30 minute city is the concept where people’s work, education, shopping – general day to day activities – are located within 30 minutes walking, cycling or public transport commute from their homes.
Liveable cities
Professor Peter Newman, Director of the Curtin University Sustainability Policy (CUSP) Institute, an expert on liveable cities, agrees with Albanese that the 30 minute city is the future of urban planning.
“The 30 minute city can only happen with good public transport. Young people are moving back into liveable areas that enable them to live without a car. We need to make cities in the suburbs where this option is available to millions more,” he said.
In his opinion, the most liveable cities in Australia are Perth, Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney because “only they have decent public transport”.
10 point plan
In his speech, Albanese went on to outline 10 ways in which he believes Government can provide leadership in public planning.
Click here to read the transcript of the speech, including the 10 point plan
He also took the opportunity to tackle the Liberal Government on its infrastructure policy and recent commentary.
“Whilst it’s absurd that Joe Hockey thinks poor people don’t drive cars, it’s even more absurd that Tony Abbott thinks nobody wants to take public transport.”