Invest
6 ways iso life could be easier
An urban planner has put forward a number of ideas to improve the liveability and life quality of all Australians during government-ordered shutdowns.
6 ways iso life could be easier
An urban planner has put forward a number of ideas to improve the liveability and life quality of all Australians during government-ordered shutdowns.
Mike Day, the co-founder and director of urban planning practice RobertsDay, has expressed concern that little thought has been given to the liveability of Australians, as well as their mental health and quality of life, during this period of uncertainty.
In particular, he’s concerned for the vast numbers of residents in low-density, single-use suburban housing developments that aren’t well connected or walkable.
With many of these areas compelling residents to use a car to access essential services, products and exercise, Mr Day said this will be even more difficult in a lockdown scenario, especially if areas need to be shut off to contain future outbreaks.
“If they haven’t already, governments should be assessing ways they can improve the liveability of all Australians in such a scenario, without risking their exposure to COVID-19,” he stated.
According to the urban planner, “Adopting measures to prioritise pedestrians over vehicles, to ensure essential products and services are in close proximity to the home, and allowing property owners to create affordable detached workplaces are a good start.”
He’s proposed six ideas that local, state and federal governments could action to improve the lives of both individuals and the prosperity of small businesses both during this time and beyond:
- Temporarily close selected streets to cars to enable residents to exercise at a safe distance
“With gyms, sporting centres, playgrounds, beaches and even some coastal walks closed, councils could consider designating signature streets for access other than by car to enable residents to run or walk daily along generous pathways,” Mr Day flagged.
He highlighted New York’s opening up of thoroughfares for walking and cycling in each of the five boroughs to reduce the number of large gatherings occurring in local parks.
Australian councils could nominate signature streets with substantial tree canopies, lighting and continuous, uninterrupted routes to promote safe and accessible exercise areas, Mr Day considered, with such action also able to combat the recent heavy cycling and pedestrian movement on existing popular walkways, such as coastal esplanades.
- Allow property owners to build affordable detached workspaces or convert garages in their yards
Mr Day conceded that many employees might be forced to work from home until at least October.
“As many parents are not in a position to work productively around kids, in shared houses or small apartments, councils could temporarily relax legislation to allow property owners to build affordable granny flats, demountable units or studios above garages, or convert their garages into offices.”
According to the planner, this could enable family members to work from home comfortably during months of lockdown, while the introduction of separate micro workspaces could even assist young entrepreneurs to start up their own businesses.
- Allow tax-free subleasing of residential rooms with external access
For property owners who already have rooms on their properties with separate external access – such as studios atop garages or backyard granny flats – Mr Day said the government could temporarily relax legislation to allow existing owner-occupiers, and even tenants, to sublease those rooms.
- Allow for multiple pop-up essential shops and services close to residents
Social distancing becomes very challenging when residents of a neighbourhood all have to drive to one single remote major supermarket or shopping area for the purchase of essentials
According to Mr Day, governments could relax planning provisions to allow small businesses to set up pop-up retail shops – such as market stalls and food trucks – in multiple areas in any neighbourhood, including within residential streets.
Not only does the urban planner believe this would provide for localised food purchases, alleviating the need to drive to major retailers, boost more small-business trading and ensure that residents do not travel far from home, it could also enable local businesses to have a greater chance of survival.
- Boost eBike capacity
eBikes are usually offered more readily in urban areas close to the city centre, but Mr Day believes, in the event of a lockdown, that they could also be introduced in lower-density areas.
“Cycling guarantees social distancing, and eBikes are an excellent low-cost alternative to purchasing a car and can cover similar distances.”
He cited a recent Deloitte report to further prove his point, which revealed the potential for eBikes to cut journey times by two-thirds, as well as being suited to all age groups and assisting in hill climbing and the carrying of heavy loads.
- Enable residents to exercise more than once a day
If we do enter a period of even tighter restrictions, Mr Day was adamant that he does not want to see Australia following a similar path to the UK, where residents can only leave their homes for exercise once a day.
“Children, pets and those who live in small, balcony-free apartments or share houses need to head outdoors more often,” he commented.
Minimal time spent outside the confines of the home could also lead to an increase in social issues, such as domestic violence and an adverse impact on health and wellness.
About the author
About the author
Economy
Consumer confidence is quickly pushing Australia’s economy from recovery to expansion
Both Australian consumers and property investors came out of last month feeling pretty chuffed about the economy. ...Read more
Economy
4 Aussie cities among 10 most liveable in the world
This year’s global liveability score has been strongly influenced by measures taken to stem the spread of COVID-19, with cities ranked according to how successfully they dealt with the pandemic. Per...Read more
Economy
Australia attended the G7 as a ‘green laggard’, new report shows
Following a weekend at the G7, Australia has been labelled a “green laggard” as a consequence of letting its green competitiveness significantly slide over the past two decades. ...Read more
Economy
Melbourne’s lockdown ends tomorrow
As announced, Melbourne will begin its path out of lockdown as of 11.59pm Thursday evening, but some restrictions will remain. ...Read more
Economy
GDP slows to 60-year low
Australia’s gross domestic product per capita growth has fallen to its slowest pace in at least 60 years, with the massive government spending looking to come at a ‘great cost to future generation...Read more
Economy
Recovery falters just a month after JobKeeper ends
The end of JobKeeper has seen a rise in defaults and administrations, which could hamper Australia’s recovery from the COVID-19 downturn, new research has revealed. ...Read more
Economy
Frydenberg considers JobKeeper return for Victorians
The federal government has granted Victoria Premier James Merlino a chance to pitch his ‘JobKeeper style’ aid, but it has refused to acknowledge that Victoria’s predicament could be linked to fe...Read more
Economy
Australia’s economy is officially back to pre-pandemic levels
As most economists predicted, Australia’s economy is back to pre-pandemic levels, the latest official figures show. ...Read more
Are you being priced out of the market? Have you got the Tuesday blues? And are you ready for the upcoming super changes?
Listen now
Are property prices set to crash? Should you jump on board the fintok craze? And how to prepare for this tax time
Listen now
Dissecting the budget and what it means for your equities, property and super
Listen now
Has the property market reached its peak; Biden’s climate summit and our sharemarket, and the upcoming budget
Listen now
Economy
Consumer confidence is quickly pushing Australia’s economy from recovery to expansion
Both Australian consumers and property investors came out of last month feeling pretty chuffed about the economy. ...Read more
Economy
4 Aussie cities among 10 most liveable in the world
This year’s global liveability score has been strongly influenced by measures taken to stem the spread of COVID-19, with cities ranked according to how successfully they dealt with the pandemic. Per...Read more
Economy
Australia attended the G7 as a ‘green laggard’, new report shows
Following a weekend at the G7, Australia has been labelled a “green laggard” as a consequence of letting its green competitiveness significantly slide over the past two decades. ...Read more
Economy
Melbourne’s lockdown ends tomorrow
As announced, Melbourne will begin its path out of lockdown as of 11.59pm Thursday evening, but some restrictions will remain. ...Read more
Economy
GDP slows to 60-year low
Australia’s gross domestic product per capita growth has fallen to its slowest pace in at least 60 years, with the massive government spending looking to come at a ‘great cost to future generation...Read more
Economy
Recovery falters just a month after JobKeeper ends
The end of JobKeeper has seen a rise in defaults and administrations, which could hamper Australia’s recovery from the COVID-19 downturn, new research has revealed. ...Read more
Economy
Frydenberg considers JobKeeper return for Victorians
The federal government has granted Victoria Premier James Merlino a chance to pitch his ‘JobKeeper style’ aid, but it has refused to acknowledge that Victoria’s predicament could be linked to fe...Read more
Economy
Australia’s economy is officially back to pre-pandemic levels
As most economists predicted, Australia’s economy is back to pre-pandemic levels, the latest official figures show. ...Read more
More articles
Website Notifications
Get notifications in real-time for staying up to date with content that matters to you.
