This short, exploratory paper reviews the concept of urban density from a historical and sociological perspective. It argues the emphasis dedicated to urban density in Australian planning schemes risks diverting energies away from potentially more fruitful avenues for the achievement of sustainability.

The paper reviews the approach advocated in the Melbourne strategic plan, 'Melbourne 2030', to planning for outer urban development in Melbourne. It analyses governance and current policy, and places the Melbourne 2030 objective of increased outer urban densities in the context of best international practice and historical approaches.

This technical paper considers the housing, services and infrastructure needs created by population trends in the Greater Perth area.

This paper provides an analysis of socio-demographic data from the 2001 Census of Population and Housing for Commonwealth Electoral Divisions.

This paper critically examines the Australian Urban and Regional Development Review (AURDR) which was the climax of a series of Federal initiatives in urban affairs which started in 1991.