Introduction
This paper is aimed at examining the Melbourne Metropolitan Planning Strategy which has to achieve several objectives. In particular, it is supposed to promote the economic development of the city. Moreover, this plan should improve the experiences of residents. One should examine the way in which economic principles were applied to the development of the plan.
This issue can be better discussed by studying separate elements of this strategy; in particular, much attention should be paid to economic triangle, activity centre polices, and the concept the 20-minute city because they can have profound implications for the experiences of people. These are the main questions that should be examined more closely.
Economic Triangle
The concept of economic triangle includes three vital elements; in particular, it is important to focus on the use of land, transport, as well as economic change (Dunn 2013). This plan incorporates several projects related to the economic triangle. For instance, one can speak about CityLink Tulla Widening. It is supposed to improve Melbourne Freeway Management System by constructing new roads.
Overall, this project is based on the principle that people tend to respond to the incentives created by the state (Markiw 2014, p. 7). In this case, the construction of new roads can be of great use to businesses that have many commercial vehicles. Therefore, the burden carried by the local roads will alleviate in the future.
Additionally, it is important to speak about the intention to renovate the Port of Hastings that should have a larger capacity for handling cargo (Dunn, 2013).
This project is also supposed to improve the operations of various businesses which rely on overseas trade. To a great extent, these initiatives can be quite justified because various companies will certainly welcome new infrastructural projects. This is one of the issues that can be singled out.
Activity centre policies
Furthermore, it is important to speak about the so-called activity centers or the areas in which commercial and dwelling areas can be co-located (Shi 2013, p. 10). Yet, researchers believe that this initiative may not necessarily generate employment. On the whole, the plan is based on the principle that governments can minimize the impact of market failure (Markiw 2014).
In particular, the demand for high-density housing can turn a certain district into a dwelling area; but there will be few opportunities for opportunities for entrepreneurs (Shi 2013, p. 10). The main problem is that the government will need to control the use of land.
This policy can be viewed as the intervention into the work of construction and real-estate companies that may perform properly if they have to deal with governmental restrictions. This is one of the pitfalls that should be taken into consideration.
Continued development of the inner city
Furthermore, this plan lays stress on the development of the inner city. In particular, this initiative can be successfully implemented provided that that the government can improve the radial transport networks existing in the city (Shi 2013, p. 10). In particular, the roads should have the greater capacity to bring workers into the inner city, especially during peak hours (Shi 2013, p. 10).
To a great extent, this project is also based on the premise that economic agents can respond to public policies. In particular, businesses are more likely to operate in those areas which have the necessary infrastructural resources. So, to some degree, this policy can be justified.
Nevertheless, one should keep in mind that such organisations can start their operations, if there is demand for their products and services. Thus, the initiatives of the government may not be sufficient for continued development of the inner city. This is one of the limitations that should be taken into account.
The concept of 20 minute city
Apart from that, it is important to discuss the initiative which is known as the 20-minute city. This project is aimed at creating communities which incorporate schools, jobs, shops and various community services located within “a 20-minute walk” (Shaw 2014, p. 9). The main problem people may not necessarily seek employment in the neighborhoods in which they live (Wood, 2013).
In many cases, they have to travel to other parts of Melbourne. Thus, the concept of the 20-minute city may be irrelevant to them. Moreover, jobs can be created, if there is demand for certain products and services.
Furthermore, the availability of schools and shops depends on the development of the housing market (Shaw 2014, p. 9). Thus, the estimations of city planners may not be justified. The main problem is that the creation of such neighborhoods cannot be easily controlled by the government.
Conclusion
On the whole, this discussion indicates that some elements of Melbourne Metropolitan Planning Strategy can contribute to the development of the city. In particular, one should speak about the implementation of infrastructural projects.
These projects can be welcomed by businesses. Nevertheless, there are several important limitations. In particular, this strategy involves the use of governmental controls that are not usually supported by entrepreneurs. Moreover, this plan does not fully consider internal drivers that affect the decisions of employers and employees.
References
Dunn, S 2013, “Plan Melbourne”, Planning News, vol. 39, no. 10, pp. 8-9.
Markiw, N 2014, Principles of Economics, Cengage Learning, New York.
Shaw, K 2014, “Plan Melbourne”, Planning News, vol. 40, no. 1, pp. 9-10.
Shi, Y 2013, “Analysing Plan Melbourne’, Planning News, vol. 39, no. 11, p. 10.
Wood, I 2013, “Plan Melbourne – a lost opportunity for community”, Planning News, vol. 39, no. 10, pp. 14-15.