The density question: The compact city in Australia

The concept of the ‘Compact City' has been around for decades in one form or another, often influencing government infrastructure choices, zoning decisions and construction imperatives. And with over 60% of Australians living in only 5 population centres, these underpinning concepts affect the lives and wellbeing of most Australians. Yet how have the principles and assumptions of the Compact Cities model actually fared in reality, and is it time to have another look at how we shape the environments in which we live?