Pressures occur from the need for more space because of population growth, which is largest in the inner city and outer suburbs of the major cities. As urban population grows, additional urban land is required, or existing land is used more intensely. This increased urban footprint puts more pressure on the availability and quality of open space and the natural environment. In addition, greenfield developments are often distant from major employment centres, which results in long journey times, and high transport and infrastructure costs. The first signs of reduced per-person impact can now be seen, but need to be accelerated.

Australia’s built environment is diverse, ranging from large, highly urbanised centres—such as Sydney and Melbourne, which together accommodate 40 per cent of the Australian population—to small, remote communities. The geographic location of our cities can affect amenities such as water availability and quality, as well as susceptibility to extreme weather events or climate change impacts. For example, cities on the east coast of Australia have generally good access to water, but may be under increasing threat from rising sea levels. Population size also plays a large role in issues such as land use, housing availability and traffic congestion. Traffic congestion is a major issue in most big Australian cities.

A lack of planning, coordination and integration exists across and between levels of government, as well as between the various cross-cutting themes that are relevant to management of the built environment. The Australian Government has established a portfolio for Cities and Digital Transformation in the Australian Government Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet to support coordinated planning, investment and reform in our cities.