Liveability Initiative

This website should encourage Tasmanians to take a fresh look at planning priorities with regard to liveability in public open space.

Liveability describes the planning approach that caters for the needs of ALL users of public space.

Avenue street trees and urban greening are pivotal tools needed to achieve cohesion and liveability. Street trees are as necessary to public space as a roof is to a house. They must be regarded as vital infrastructure investment.

The liveability concept, which is now the norm in virtually all spatial planning policies around the globe, has largely been ignored in Tasmania. Instead, outdated fifties and sixties hard-edge planning principles are unfortunately still upheld and vigorously defended throughout Tasmania.

A planning shake-up is necessary for the wellbeing of Tasmanians. You can become active in initiating such change by using the

• "Liveability Slide show" (Powerpoint .ppt 21MB)
• "Liveability Checklist" (.pdf 2MB)
• Background information

Armed with this information you will be able to

• Gain certainty about contemporary urban planning principles
• Assess planning proposals
• Demand qualified action from Council or Government
• Participate in public debate with solid background knowledge
• Lead or participate in public education initiatives
• Competently blow the whistle on disregard of liveability principles in planning or execution of public projects

Achieving liveability results in increased vitality, diversity, social inclusion as well as healthier and more active populations. It brings economic success, visitor interest and last but not least: beautiful cities, suburbs and townships.

Citizen empowerment in liveability planning has proven to be a most positive and satisfying community experience elsewhere. Co-determination makes people feel good and increases economic and social strengths.

And now, get into the mood for liveability change. Click this stunning website: http://www.urban-advantage.com