In an era where urbanisation is rapidly transforming our cities, the need for sustainable, liveable, and healthier communities has never been more critical. RMIT University, in collaboration with government and industry partners, is at the forefront of this transformation through an innovative data-sharing project. This initiative, led by Professor Melanie Davern, aims to leverage data to enhance the liveability of urban developments.
The Australian Urban Observatory (AUO)
The Australian Urban Observatory (AUO) is a digital platform developed by RMIT’s Centre for Urban Research. It aggregates detailed insights to drive tangible improvements in urban liveability. The AUO maps public health data across various criteria, including: walkability, public transport, social infrastructure and services, employment, food, housing and public open space.
These indicators are meticulously chosen for their association with health outcomes and alignment with government policies. The platform serves as a national resource, enabling the identification, measurement, monitoring, and targeting of responses to critical social, economic, and environmental challenges.
Impactful Partnerships
One of the key strengths of the AUO is its collaboration with industry partners. A notable example is the ongoing partnership with Stockland, Australia’s largest diversified property group. This collaboration has been instrumental in informing Stockland’s approach to creating and measuring social impact within its communities.
Justine Felton, Group Social Sustainability Manager at Stockland, emphasised the importance of an evidence-based approach to social impact. The AUO data has been integrated into Stockland’s Social Needs Analysis and Social IQ tools, helping to better identify community needs and measure social value.
Broader Projects and Initiatives
Beyond its partnership with Stockland, the AUO is involved in several other projects aimed at improving city planning and liveability:
Cycling Infrastructure: Funded by The Ian Potter Foundation, the AUO is developing cycling indicators to enhance urban cycling infrastructure nationwide.
Municipal Public Health: In collaboration with Victorian local governments, the AUO is producing monitoring and evaluation tools to support municipal public health and wellbeing planning.
Healthy Ageing: The Healthy Ageing Discovery Project focuses on refining neighbourhood designs to support ageing in place, considering socioeconomic factors and personal preferences to enhance liveability for older populations.
The AUO exemplifies how data can be harnessed to drive meaningful improvements in urban liveability. Through strategic partnerships and innovative projects, RMIT and its collaborators are paving the way for healthier, more sustainable communities. As cities continue to grow, initiatives like the AUO will be crucial in ensuring that urban development meets the needs of all residents.
Read the full article here.
Authors: Kate Milkins and Aeden Ratcliffe
This blog post highlights the significant strides being made in urban liveability through data-driven initiatives. If you have any questions or would like to learn more about the AUO, contact us here.