Living Cities An Urban Myth? Government and Sustainability in Australia

Living Cities examines government and public approaches to sustainable development in Australia, documenting the current inability to address persistent urban environmental problems. Economic growth and the local democratic process proceed along traditional development pathways, largely dismissive of the impacts on the environment. This important political and social dilemma reflects a disengagement of the public with the political process which is required to address the problem. The situation poses serious risks for the public, particularly future Australian generations. After decades of global discussion of sustainability, the knowledge exists to implement change. The authors describe practical methods to address the problems. Solutions include risk-based dialogues with local communities, training government professionals, and embracing models for more open government. Examples are taken from real-life subjects, such as, the 2000 Olympic Games; Australian national, local, and state government policies on urban development; and brewery wastes in Japan.