Adrienne Keane: Koalas and "Stupid" Planning

Abstract

Despite efforts to do so, environmental sustainability remains elusive, and there is an imbalance between urban growth, biodiversity, and the systems that support all life. This is an ongoing problem for cities and regions, particularly as we face uncertain climate futures. Our communities and the biodiversity that share our lands, water, and skies are increasingly vulnerable to extreme temperatures, intensifying wildfires, storms, and flooding. This lecture explores strategic planning's contribution to the dilemma by investigating the provision of housing and the consequences for ecological values. Using a case study in southwest Sydney, Australia, and noting that the lands were identified for development in the 1970s, approval was given for 1700 residential lots and community facilities on and near significant ecological values. The development assessment process included the national, state, and local governments of Australia due to the significance of some of the species evident, such as the Koala, which is listed as endangered. Some conditions of consent were imposed to protect ecological values. However, there was much criticism surrounding the approval. But, criticism itself is not enough to address this common dilemma. Unfortunately, this case seems to pit housing against environmental sustainability. It suggests that planning enabled "yes" to development and "no" to sustainability. As climate action and the restoration of biodiversity requires immediate address, how can strategic planning and decision-making about development respond differently?

Biography

Dr Adrienne Keane is an Associate Professor in Urban and Regional Planning at the University of Sydney School of Architecture, Design and Planning. Dr Keane has a background in local government, working as in environmental health and then in urban planning. She has also worked with the community, including Clean Up the World (Australia's largest participatory event) and Clean up the World projects. As a practitioner-turned-academic, Dr Keane enjoys teaching strategic planning and urban ecology for planners and urban designers. Her research interests include planning practice, biodiversity, and cities, as well as a passion to understand how planning education can best support graduates for their future.