Melbourne

In 1985, Melbourne was at a tipping point. The central city was failing as suburbanization reshaped the metropolitan area. With an increasing number of residents and businesses moving to sprawling suburbs, the once-thriving heart of the city faced economic stagnation, social isolation, and physical decline. Streets were car-dominated, pedestrian spaces were neglected, and the city functioned as an “8-to-5” hub, bustling during work hours but lifeless after dark.

The city’s declining residential population compounded the problem. Few people called the downtown area home, leaving it devoid of vitality, culture, and the mixed-use vibrancy necessary for a thriving urban environment. Recognizing this, city leaders set an ambitious target: to add 8,000 new residential units within 15 years. However, this solution posed a new risk—rapid urban growth threatened to erase Melbourne’s local character, its unique charm that differentiated it from other global cities.

Additionally, Melbourne’s infrastructure was ill-equipped for the future. The city relied heavily on cars, lacked renewable energy systems, and faced growing challenges from climate change. Without bold action, Melbourne risked becoming a disconnected, unsustainable metropolis, losing its identity and potential.

Transforming Cities for a Sustainable Future: A Global Framework for Urban Renewal- This framework, rooted in the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), outlines ten transformative to build resilience, sustainability, and liveability

Local Character: Celebrate a city’s identity to foster pride and cohesion. Density and Mixed-Use: Promote compact, vibrant neighbourhoods that optimize infrastructure and encourage walkability. Streets for People: Reclaim streets from cars, prioritize pedestrians, cyclists, and public transport to create dynamic, people-focused public spaces. Connectivity: Ensure equitable access to daily needs without relying on cars through robust transport networks and walkable design. Grey to Green: Transform roadways into open spaces, mitigating heat and enhancing biodiversity. Urban Forests: Expand tree canopies to combat urban heat and restore ecological balance. Water Resilience: Secure water resources with innovative systems. Public-Private Partnerships: Leverage collaboration to fund impactful projects. Green Buildings: Showcase sustainable design to inspire widespread adoption. Renewable Energy: Commit to clean energy and storage for a zero-net future.

By adopting these strategies, cities can evolve into global leaders, addressing climate change, fostering equity, and creating vibrant spaces for generations to come.

Melbourne has transformed into a global beacon of sustainability and liveability through consistent and visionary initiatives. These efforts have reshaped the city’s identity, infrastructure, and environmental impact, creating a vibrant and people-centered urban hub.

Since 1985, downtown Melbourne’s swelling has surged from 685 to 63,056, resulting in a lively, mixed-use urban centre that stimulates economic activity and culture.

Carbon Neutral Leadership: Certified carbon neutral since 2012, Melbourne has reduced council emissions by 79% over the last decade.

Pioneering Renewable Energy: The Melbourne Renewable Energy Project has enabled the city to run entirely on renewable energy, making significant events, like Melbourne Fashion Week, carbon neutral as well.

Urban Greening: With over 30,000 trees planted in the past decade and new biodiversity initiatives, Melbourne enhances wildlife habitats, air quality, and community well-being.

Water Resilience: Six stormwater harvesting systems now provide 23% of Melbourne’s water needs, ensuring long-term sustainability for the city’s green spaces.

Public Spaces Investment: Upgrades to public realms and conversion of underutilized infrastructure into open spaces have made the city more inviting and recreationally rich.

Sustainable Transportation: Expanding bike lanes and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure has reduced car dependency and lowered emissions.

Circular Waste Systems: A centralized waste management system has streamlined processes, with over 1,900 tonnes of organic waste turned into compost since 2021.

Public-Private Partnerships: Collaborative efforts drive innovation and community benefits, revitalizing the city.

Melbourne’s achievements represent a cultural shift towards sustainable urban living, balancing growth with resilience. Despite future challenges, the city’s ongoing commitment to sustainability positions it well for adaptation and continued success. Melbourne exemplifies how urban environments can thrive as engines of innovation and sustainability, promoting a more liveable and equitable world.