A form of policy consensus has emerged in Australian planning in recent years which demonstrates all the characteristics of a planning doctrine. The broad thrust of this doctrine is urban densification and is identified as a solution to a wide range of urban ills.

Advocates of New Urbanism and Smart Growth concepts emphasize on neighbourhood form and design to achieve sustainability. Generally, three aspects of neighbourhood form are thought to be influencing travel patterns: density; diversity and design.

The paper reviews the impact of private public relationships on development and some preliminary outcomes for settlers in relation to their expectations of the area, the management and governance of new development and the quality of life in medium and high density developments.

The following study examines the patterns and dynamics of movement in a selection of master planned estates in Australia.

The debate over the costs and benefits of urban consolidation has perhaps never been more important given the rise in the importance of sustainability principles as a basis of planning, the growth of megacities and development pressure on countrysides.