Sustainability Policy and Planning

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2009:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

Sustainability is an ever more important component of policy in an increasingly global and complex world. This subject explores what sustainability means for planning 21 st century cities. How can global, national, state and local policies shape the sustainability of cities? What will it take to achieve the sustainable city? How will we know if sustainability has been achieved?

The subject firstly provides critical analysis of the concept of sustainability, its many definitions and interpretations. The concept is explored in terms of its historical, social, cultural, environmental and economic implications and the interrelationship between these. Possibilities for sustainability will be investigated through an analysis of the management of physical environments with a focus on water management. Policy case studies will be presented and international examples are used as lessons for, and comparisons to, Australia.

On completion of this subject students should be able to:

• critically evaluate the achievement of sustainability in cities, in particular the sustainable management of water resources
• critically evaluate conventional and alternative water management approaches in relation to their ability to achieve sustainable management
• identify elements of built form which do, and do not, contribute to the sustainable management of natural resources
• demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between urban form, community attitudes to natural processes, resource management and policy promoting sustainability
• analyse and evaluate government policy and propose innovative institutional solutions

• Short essay 1500 words (20%)
• A field trip report of 2500 words (45%)
• Group poster and presentation (20%)
• Class attendance and participation (15%)

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.