Seeking Certainty: Recent Planning for Sydney and Melbourne

Recent metropolitan strategies for Melbourne (2002) and Sydney (2005) are reviewed in order to establish why they were produced, what their main proposals are and the kind of methodology used. The central question posed is whether they provide sufficient purpose and direction while at the same time acknowledging the uncertainties facing the future of both cities. it is concluded that in seeking cetainty they are too prescriptive and deterministic in their provisions, but they do provide a basis for adaption and adjustment to changing conditions. these challenges exist in terms of climate change, management and use of energy and water, transport, and the need for a national approach to planning the Australian Urban system