The battle between the urban and the suburban for the support of private and public investment is intensifying as Australian cities attempt to manage considerable population growth and declining housing affordability.

Forecasts suggest that by 2030 the number of people living in cities globally is expected to be around five billion, and the Australia population is anticipated to grow to 35 million by 2050, with 85 per cent of people living in cities.

As urban pressures increase we'll begin to see more developers seeking opportunities outside of major urban centres to utilise greenfield sites and create the next generation of suburban precincts.

For the most part, developers gravitate away from city centres by utilising best practice principals on greenfield sites -- creating new hubs of employment, commerce and residential amenity. These hubs have the potential to not only be environmentally sustainable but economically and socially sustainable.

The Loop's Belconnen Fresh Food Markets, photo courtesy of Rock Development Group

At this year's

Urbanity '17 conference we'll be delving into how the growth of new suburban precincts is potentially a zero-sum game for CBDs. Moderated by Ross Elliot of Macroplan our panel of experts will be discussing the next generation suburban precincts.

As we continue to face the challenges of urbanisation and the urban sprawl, the responsibility on planners and those involved in the built environment is paramount in order to create positive and long-term development.

Photo courtesy of Laguna North LakesSustainable precincts that generate their own power, recycle water and waste and have aspirational social outcomes like affordable housing and public transport could be the key to sustaining mega cities of the future.

Jorge Chapa, the Green Building Council of Australia’s executive director, believes the success of these suburban precincts will come down to how well they cater for the end user and the environment.

“If we look at what we are trying to achieve overall it is creating places for people.

“They must be economically sustainable, liveable, well designed, minimise their environmental impact and be managed well long term.” Chapa said.

Unlike a typical development of 1000 dwellings, a sustainable precinct would attempt to create amenity, a sense of place and be resilient economically and to climate change.

Suburban precincts are going to play a pivotal part in the future progression of our cities. As our quality of infrastructure increases, they'll be key to supporting our current business centres and establishing new commercial hubs.

Proudly brought to life by The Urban Developer, in partnership with Queensland Government and Brisbane Development Association, Urbanity ’17 is a two-day conference held at Brisbane’s Royal International Convention Centre 28 – 29 September 2017.

Ticket registrations are open. Be quick to ensure you don’t miss out.