Wicked planning problems and the reform of planning systems: a case study of Sydney

Abstract

Urban planning is embedded in short term (self-interest based) argument, directing attention away from very serious longer term challenges like: housing affordability, traffic congestion, city economics, climate change and spatially-based disadvantage. Emerging international research examines transition pathways for complex urban governance problems like this. This thesis translates this work into Australian planning settings. It combines it with planning research, and insights from leading local practitioners, to develop a new process model for planning system reform. The aim is to assist efforts at making planning more concerned about wider society, and future generations, and less driven by today's loudest voices.