Healthy higher density living

Posted on 7 Apr 2021
Updated on 7 Apr 2021
4-minute read

As Sydney's population grows, the way we live and act within an increasingly urbanised environment is changing.

Reducing heart disease, heat impacts, diabetes and mental illness through implementing planning measures for those living in urbanised environments is the focus of a new landmark study, conducted by Landcom in partnership with the Institute for Sustainable Futures, the University of Sydney and the University of NSW.

The study, currently titled Translating Evidence to Support Planning Strategies for Healthier Higher Density Living, aims to provide new knowledge and tools for addressing significant gaps in the planning of healthy higher density precincts.

The project is being led by ISF Associate Professor Jason Prior, UNSW's Professor Susan Thompson, and the University of Sydney's Dr Jennifer Kent, with funding from Landcom NSW.

The project investigates a number of issues:

Understanding how health evidence can be better applied to plan for healthier, sustainable higher density living that supports the health and wellbeing of present and future generations.
Drawing together public and planetary health, translational research and health planning to create collaborative learning partnerships between Landcom NSW, the universities of NSW, government organisations, TAFEs and schools to support innovation in planning for sustainable urban development.
Advancing knowledge of ways to plan higher density developments to increase positive health outcomes for future populations.
Exploring how to improve opportunities for the health and wellbeing of growing urban populations in the future.
Addressing the challenges to population health that are increasingly common within urbanised society, from the lesser-seen effects of growing heat, to the impact of urbanisation on obesity rates.
Understanding the relationships and interconnections between environmental health, place and human wellbeing within the Australian urban context, and supporting the development of policies that are appropriate for this context.
Developing knowledge for the benefit of planners and policy-makers, to assist with the creation of healthy and sustainable urban futures.

This project is being conducted by the University of Technology Sydney, the University of Sydney and the University of New South Wales, in partnership with Landcom.