Delivering sustainable urban mobility

This report warns that Australia is heading down the wrong path and a new approach to urban transport is needed that prioritises people rather than one particular mode of transport. It finds that the cost of urban congestion in our capital cities will increase four-fold in two decades, reaching $53.3 billion by 2031, unless there is a change of direction. The report also highlights the infrastructure required for cars - both on the move and parked - with the average car parked at home 80% of the time, parked elsewhere for 16% and on the road only 4% of the time. It finds that city planning needs to take a three-pronged strategic approach, including finding ways to reduce or avoid travel, shifting to more environmentally friendly transport and improving the energy efficiency of transport. The report also says urban areas need to change from having a dense CBD with sprawling suburbs to polycentric cities with “nodes” which will bring people closer to places of work and recreation. It highlights how reliant Australians are on cars, with more than 60% of children driven to and from school, making up as much as 17% of peak traffic and contributing to childhood obesity. It also notes the rapid growth of freight transport in Australian cities, which relies mainly on diesel-powered trucks that have health consequences for residents. The report makes 26 key findings and says there needs to be a focus on accessibility, technology and careful planning to enhance sustainable transport solutions.