Critical Readings in Planning Theory - Free Samples to Students

Question: Discuss about the Critical Readings in Planning Theory. Answer: Introduction Planning for the future is pivotal to the growth and development of any economy. At present, The Australian economy is battling various issues and addressing them is the need of the hour. Therefore urban planning is critical to the long term sustainability of Australian cities. The intensifying population of the country has mandated the need to plan for a brighter future. This rise in population has also led to increased migration in urban areas of the country (Faludi, 2013). The growing urban population has mammoth needs which can only be satiated through improved opportunities, infrastructure, education and overall economic growth. In order to accomplish the same, extensive planning is required which would help in paving the way to urban growth. This report throws light upon the role of planning in managing urban growth. Planning institute of Australias policy of 2014 has been referred for a deeper insight on the importance of planning. PIA is a national body of planners which works with the mission to create better communities by guiding planners through communication, education and professional development (PIA, 2018). PIA asserts that planning for the future is pivotal to Australias efficiency and livability. PIAs policy statement declares that good planning is the best way to manage urban growth, secure required infrastructure and generate economic development. The purpose of good planning according to Planning Institute of Australia relates to the idea of achieving goal on social, economic and environmental platforms (Badland et. al., 2014). Planning has been identified at a crucial tool in managing copious changes which are being faced by our communities. PIA has been known to deliver a wide range of activities that develop planners and demonstrate the value for planning for the growth of the community. Over the last many years, PIA has played an active role in ensuring that the economys efforts towards growth are planned in an effective manner leading to productive outcomes. Role of good planning in managing urban growth For the long term success of any project, the first and the most basic step is planning. The role of planning must not be undermined in order to successfully take the project to its zenith. Planning for urban growth helps in defining desired outcomes as well as in generating a pathway to reach that outcome (Geertman, Toppen Stillwell, 2013). Australia is one of the most developed societies in the world. In order to ensure continued growth of the economy, planning plays a critical role in identifying the needs and drivers of change within the country. Urban growth, in this context, refers to social, economic and environmental growth. The Australian economy is facing various changes including growing population, reducing inflation, increasing unemployment and growing poverty. In order to address these issues at large, effective planning by the central as well as the state governments in the need of the hour. People come from towns to cities in order to seek for jobs which give rise to unemployment and increases population. Effective planning must be done to address these issues. A good planning will only be possible if there is an active participation by the members and the authority. Further, it is also essential that the members are professionally trained and dedicated towards their work. Government of the state is under obligation to plan in efficient and effective manner so as to achieve urban growth. Under good planning, essential infrastructure investment is done by the government for the welfare of urban people. Apart from this, suitable settlement patterns are determined for cities and town. These settlement patterns promote and encourage prosperity and development in urban areas. In good planning, planner foresight and predict the future in order to reduce risks and challenges. In this way, good planning reduces adverse social, economic and environmental consequences and impacts. Optimize utilizations of resources can be possible through good planning (Leigh Blakely, 2016). Planning for urban growth also helps governments in identifying and managing their investment in the economy. This in turn leads to effective utilization of funds. Therefore good planning is guided by communities to determine the growth and success of urban areas. Effective leadership style s are used by planners to manage the urban growth. Planning for urban growth also helps in identifying various performance indicators against which urban growth can be measured. According to PIA, these performance indicators include stronger communities, confident return on investment, and enhancement in inherent value for the youth, increased innovation, and preparedness for climatic change (Taylor et. al., 2014). Effective planning for the future also ensures identification of the needs of all the stakeholders and equal participation and contribution from them. Key stakeholders of urban growth in Australia include residents, government (state, local and federal) and real estate property development industry (Fagence, 2014). Active participation from all the stakeholders can be achieved through advance planning and this is pivotal for effective urban growth (Paris, 2013). A good planning delivers outcomes. This is because planning ensures that communities are prepared for uncertain circumstances that may pose any risk to the growth. Planning in an effective manner leads to ensuring that such situations are handled with poise and productivity. Conclusion A good planning is really important to manage urban growth. Urban growth can be seen as the rise in population in the cities. Planning for urban growth will assist in identifying long term goals and also help all the stakeholders to understand their role in achieving those goals. The importance of planning for any individual, organization or society cannot be undermined. It is one of the most important arrow in the quiver of the Australian government and it is imperative that they use it meritoriously. Therefore in order to courageously battle the issues clouding Australias urban growth, it is imperative to plan pedantically. This will lead to increased sustainability and improved living conditions of the society. References Badland, H., Whitzman, C., Lowe, M., Davern, M., Aye, L., Butterworth, I., Hes, D. and Giles-Corti, B., 2014. Urban liveability: emerging lessons from Australia for exploring the potential for indicators to measure the social determinants of health.Social science medicine,111, pp.64-73. Fagence, M., 2014.Citizen participation in planning(Vol. 19). Elsevier. India. Faludi, A., 2013.A reader in planning theory(Vol. 5). Elsevier. India. Geertman, S., Toppen, F. and Stillwell, J., 2013.Planning support systems for sustainable urban development. Heidelberg: Springer. Leigh, N.G. and Blakely, E.J., 2016.Planning local economic development: Theory and practice. Sage Publications. Paris, C. ed., 2013.Critical Readings in Planning Theory: Urban and Regional Planning Series. Elsevier. India. PIA, 2018. About us. Available at https://www.planning.org.au/aboutpia. Retrieved on 9 April, 2018. Taylor, B., Wallington, T., Heyenga, S. and Harman, B., 2014. Urban growth and climate adaptation in Australia: Divergent discourses and implications for policy-making.Urban Studies,51(1), pp.3-21.