We need to rethink how we plan our cities to benefit health, wellbeing and sustainability and make them more liveable for everyone. New tools are needed to increase understanding about connections between local lived environments, city planning and their influence on health and wellbeing.
The Australian Urban Observatory is a digital liveability planning tool developed for decision-makers and the community to measure and map the liveability of neighbourhoods in Australian cities and create more liveable places through planning.
Liveability indicators included in the Australian Urban Observatory are being used by partners in local, state, and federal government decision-making positions across Australia in the development and evaluation of long-term health and wellbeing and strategic city planning.
Liveability indicators included in the Australian Urban Observatory are shaped by new research findings and continue to expand over time with new tools, resources and portal features constantly being developed and expanded over time.
Developing partnerships with decision makers and making the community aware of liveability resources available in the Australian Urban Observatory has been supported by the Urban Futures Platform and critical to project impact. Associate Professor Melanie Davern, Director of the AUO is also supported by an RMIT University Vice Chancellor’s Research Fellowship.
Most recently, the Urban Futures Platform has provided support for the Australian Urban Observatory to partner with the Geography Teachers of Victoria in the development of liveability curriculum materials for secondary students and teachers in Years 7, 9 and 10. Liveability is taught in humanities and geography curriculum and these materials will make it easier for secondary teachers and students to engage with liveability research and showcase potential applied geography, health and urban planning careers.
Researching how cities can be more equitable, sustainable and accountable.
Conserving nature in cities has benefits for human health and wellbeing, as well as for biodiversity.
Acknowledgement of Country
RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.
Acknowledgement of Country
RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business.