In 1998, the Western Australian Government introduced the Liveable Neighbourhoods Design Code; a policy aimed at using design principles to increase the walking, cycling, public transport use and sense of community of residents of new housing developments.

Creating walkable environments produces a range of health and environmental co-benefits including increased physical activity, social interaction, sustainable living and environmental protection. This paper provides details of the development, trial, validation and potential application of a ‘Walkability Index Tool’.