Increasing sustainability makes economic, social and environmental sense. So why are we so slow to embrace this change? What are some of the barriers to creating new sustainable cities and modes of transport?

Environmental campaigns tend to come in waves. Right now the sustainability wave should be at its peak in Australia, particularly in view of recent and pending state and federal elections. Sustainability is a vote-winner, but with the major political parties it tends to be part of their policy platforms but not always, or extensively enough, part of their practice.

By definition, sustainability has to make sense economically, socially and environmentally. This means it’s good for business and the economy but also appropriate in a broader sense. Some issues, like public transport, have moved from being rated as eleventh or twelfth in political importance to second or third. So why do politicians give such little regard to these issues?

The context: urban Australia

If we focus the sustainability microscope on urban design, buildings, transit, renewable energy and tourism, we find that there is no government blueprint for implementing greater levels of sustainability. On the contrary, governments are still encouraging development of motorways and urban sprawl. It is embarrassing that, in 2010, we cannot point to one new, truly sustainable urban village in the whole of Australia.

It was also awkward that, until recently, Australia had the only federal government among the OECD economies that did not fund public transport. This is starting to be addressed, but significant federal resources are still going to motorways and the auto industry. At the state and local government level there are some positive initiatives, but these tend to be limited in scope and involve nowhere near the effort required.

One potential issue is that of Peak Oil. This theory does not say that we will run out of oil but rather that petrol prices will rise, increasing social exclusion. And of course there are many other reasons why we need to move from dependence on oil: to free ourselves from air and noise pollution, and to encourage walking and cycling to reduce obesity and related health problems.

When governments fail to lead, individuals step in, community groups emerge, and alliances are formed. Companies, also, are engaging in actions to become more sustainable with their operations. Certainly, these initiatives towards increased sustainability are to be applauded. But what of the barriers?

What’s getting in the way?

There are those who resist sustainable approaches because of ignorance. Others are bombarded with conflicting messages: the prestige associated with a bigger car or a bigger house. Developers will say they have to build large houses because ‘that is what the market wants’. But open any newspaper or watch any commercial television station and it soon becomes clear what message is being sold.

There are those with a vested interest in maintaining the status quo. They are powerful and can afford powerful friends.

But the biggest barrier in my experience is bureaucracy. An idea can be good and worthy, and even have champions within the government, yet still be delayed or dismissed. It’s a question of who wields the power: the ministers, the ministerial advisors, the departments, the media or the public.

An idea needs a catalyst and the right timing to turn it into action. For example, many people have gazed out onto Port Phillip Bay and pondered about the use of ferries as a more sustainable mode of transport than congested motorways. But just like the missing urban villages, the ferries are also absent. Meanwhile, Europe is rediscovering its waterways as a preferable means of moving passengers and freight. [Ed: Barcelona is one good example of a European city being innovative. The city’s switch to LED street lights with motion sensors to save power is described in the following YouTube clip.]

In Victoria, the politicians with power want to build more roads. Some government departments are keen on ferries but others are reluctant to embrace anything new. And here is the paradox: they want to claim the glory of any success but are frightened of failure. Plus, a new idea means more work. Better to do nothing than to try to sell the idea to the ministers and the media.

But …

If an idea is good, the time is right and enough champions can be found, it is possible to change the direction of our society – even if it does not happen quickly. Sooner or later, we will rediscover the idea of the urban village, with its walkable neighbourhoods, safe cycling routes, accessible public transport and increased local amenity. In Victoria, we might just rediscover Port Phillip Bay, the potential for waterborne transport and even the development of bayside sustainable urban villages.

Stephen Ingrouille is the Principal of the Melbourne-based sustainability firm Going Solar. He also edits the Sustainable Cities and Transport Newsletter, available at www.goingsolar.com.au/transport

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