The Urban Futures journal has been published since 1991, mostly on a quarterly basis. Its objective has been to stimulate debate on urban questions and foster the development of urban policy in Australia. Now that the National Office of Local Government (NOLG) has assumed responsibility for the journal, it is intended to broaden the focus to include other issues of concern to Local Government.
Urban Futures carries non-refereed articles by academics, policy makers and practitioners on a range of issues. It is distributed free to approximately 3000 recipients including a number of libraries.
Recipients include academic institutions, state government departments, councils and urban design professionals. The current edition of Urban Futures (Issue 22) examines issues such as public-private partnerships in providing local government services and facilities; moving the focus of urban design from automobility to accessibility planning; and the impact the planning of the Sydney 2000 Games has on local government.
Issue 23 is due for release in September 1997. It is expected to feature a paper which presents observations based on early analysis of qualitative data from the Department of Social Security Community Research Project.
The paper outlines key concepts which have emerged from Australian and international social research to shape and influence social provision in Australia.
It makes particular reference to the systemic nature of living standards, structures and processes which enhance the generation of social capital and opportunities for greater self-help, self-reliance and improved living standards.
Issue 23 will also include a summary of an address given by John McLucas, Assistant Secretary of NOLG, to the Local Government Amalgamations Seminar at the University of Technology, Sydney in April 1997, and an article on the legacy of the British Urban Development Corporation in the context of moves within Australia towards a less fragmented approach to planning within our cities. Readers are encouraged to provide articles for future issues.
Queries regarding Urban Futures can be directed to Lorraine Walker, National Office of Local Government Ph (02) 6274 1582 Fax (02) 6274 1800 or email lorraine.walker@ dest.gov.au.
