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Vital resources for good design and performance based planning

Two Local Government Development Program funded publications, Australia's Guide to Good Residential Design and Education and Training Modules for Performance Based Residential Development were launched by Warwick Smith, Commonwealth Minister for Sport, Territories and Local Government, on 29 April.

Both publications are complementary materials to the national resource document for residential development known as AMCORD. AMCORD gives practical advice to Council planners, elected members, industry practitioners and professionals on better methods and practices to achieve good urban design.

Based on AMCORD and its principles, Australia's Guide to Good Residential Design explains the attributes of good residential design to the layperson in an easy to read format. The Guide aims to make the reader sensitive to key basic issues concerning design and planning that can significantly improve the amenity and effectiveness of well planned residential developments. The publication was produced by the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology.

The Education and Training Modules for Performance Based Residential Development were developed in accordance with AMCORD's integrated performance based approach to urban development. The package comprises a Users Guide, a Quick Guide and a Trainers Manual.

The National Office of Local Government, in conjunction with RAPI and AMCORD officers in each State and Territory, will negotiate with tertiary and secondary institutions throughout Australia to have the performance based planning modules added to their curricula. This approach will enhance the skills level of practitioners involved in planning, design, engineering and related disciplines. The education and training modules were produced by the Royal Australian Planning Institute (RAPI).

For more information about these publications, contact the Infrastructure and Services Section, National Office of Local Government on (06) 274 1900. For details on how to obtain copies, contact the Community Information Unit at the Department of the Environment, Sport and Territories on 1800 803 772.

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