Integrated modelling to aid strategic urban and regional planning

Abstract

Most of the current regional planning models rely on feed-forward trend analyses. However, economic, demographic, land use and infrastructure systems are far from isolated linear systems. They are in fact interdependent dynamic systems where a change in one systems impacts all other interdependent systems. Therefore, a change such as the addition of a new expressway to the transport network not only will bring changes in the transport system, but also in other systems like land use and demographic. Vision Illawarra is a modern tool that follows the system dynamics approach to incorporate these feedback loops between systems. Planners and policy makers can use Vision Illawarra to understand the holistic change a planning or policy decision will bring to the regional setting, thus enabling them to make smart strategic decisions for the benefit of the region.