Process and response in contemporary Urban development: Melbourne in the 1980s

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Abstract
In the current climate of economic restructuring, technological change and demographic transition, cities such as Melbourne are experiencing new and different pressures. That these pressures are exerted upon an already developed urban structure, and within a particular planning and administrative structure, means that outcomes vary from city to city. However, Melbourne, in common with a number of cities, is facing substantial changes in many aspects including the nature and location of economic enterprise, the structure and composition of the population, and the relative competitive strength of the region. The result is that Melbourne has experienced problems both in its ability to hold and continue to attract activities which provide a basis for further growth and development, and in the exacerbation of internal variations in the level of opportunity and quality of life available to different groups in the population. The role of government has traditionally been relatively minor in guiding the process of urban development in Australia. However, since 1982 the state government in Victoria has made a concerted effort to reorganise and coordinate urban management and planning, integrating these with other strategic initiatives relating to economic development and social justice. While there is evidence that many of the initiatives are proving effective, there are still a number of problem areas. Some of these, such as global economic trends, are beyond the scope of government to control. Others, such as measures to facilitate the development of new economic activities, are within the power of government, but require careful formulation and management. The extent to which such measures are successful depends upon both the correct identification of problems and solutions, and the ability of government to gain a wide degree of acceptance of its goals. It is these that will prove the most difficult to achieve in the long run.