Creating Liveable Cities in Australia – a report by RMIT – is the first “baseline” measure of liveability in Australia’s state and territory capitals.

While Australian cities are often labelled some of the most liveable in the world, this isn’t the daily reality for many residents of our capitals.

By mapping policy standards designed to create liveable cities, the researchers found that no Australian capital city performs well across all the liveability indicators, with many also failing to meet policy targets aimed at ensuring liveability. The researchers noted widespread evidence of geographical inequities in the delivery of liveability policies within and between cities, with outer suburban areas less well served than inner-city suburbs.

The researchers discovered measureable policies and targets to deliver liveable, walkable communities are often not in place, and often those in place, are not strong enough. They concluded that policies aren’t making best use of the available evidence.

The report examines seven domains of a city’s liveability that also promote the health and wellbeing of Australians – walkability, public transport, public open spaces, housing affordability, employment and the food and alcohol environments.

Download the full report from the RMIT University, Centre for Urban Research site.

Read the RMIT commentary.