The idea of living just a short stroll away from everything you need sounds like a dream, right? Public transport, parks, shops, restaurants, your local GP, and even the post office – all within a 15-minute walk or bike ride from home. This concept, known as the “15-minute city,” has become a popular urban planning goal worldwide, but how does Sydney, and Australia as a whole, measure up? According to a new global study, Australia’s cities still have some catching up to do.
What is a 15-Minute City?
A 15-minute city is an urban planning model designed to reduce car dependency by ensuring that daily essentials like groceries, healthcare, schools, and recreation can all be accessed within a short walk or bike ride. This model is seen as a solution for creating healthier, more sustainable urban spaces and improving the overall quality of life for city residents.
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The Global Study: How Do Australian Cities Fare?
The recent study by Nature Cities, a research team from Italy, analyzed 10,000 cities around the world to determine how close they come to achieving the 15-minute city standard. The results? Not a single city in Australia made the cut. However, some Australian cities came very close, including Sydney, which ranked as a “19-minute city” alongside Adelaide.
Australia’s smallest capital city, Hobart, just missed the 15-minute mark, clocking in at an impressive 16 minutes. Its compact size means residents can typically reach outdoor activities, restaurants, healthcare, and cultural hubs within a short walk or bike ride.
Other cities that came close were Melbourne and Canberra, both achieving an average time of 17 minutes. While this may not be the ideal 15-minute city, it’s still a solid achievement considering the sprawling nature of many Australian cities.
Sydney: A 19-Minute City
Sydney, Australia’s largest city, landed at 19 minutes – meaning most residents live about 19 minutes away from key services on average. Although not quite meeting the 15-minute city ideal, it shows that Sydney is closer than one might expect given its size and layout. The ranking reflects that while Sydney offers great amenities, the city’s sprawling nature and dependency on cars still prevent it from achieving the true 15-minute city status.
Australian Cities: Where Do They Rank?
Here’s a quick look at how Australian cities ranked in the study:
- Hobart: 16 minutes
- Melbourne: 17 minutes
- Canberra: 17 minutes
- Sydney: 19 minutes
- Adelaide: 19 minutes
- Darwin: 22 minutes
- Perth: 24 minutes
- Brisbane: 25 minutes
Brisbane was the furthest from achieving 15-minute city status, with an average time of 25 minutes for residents to access essential services.
Europe Leads the Way in 15-Minute Cities
Globally, Europe shines as the region with the most 15-minute cities, thanks to its compact urban design. Switzerland in particular stood out, with Geneva taking the top spot as the world’s number one 15-minute city. Residents in Geneva can walk to most services within just five minutes, setting the global benchmark for urban convenience and accessibility.
Like Australia, no cities in the United States made the 15-minute city list, and the same can be said for most cities across Africa, Asia, and South America.
What’s Next for Sydney?
While Sydney may not yet be a 15-minute city, its ranking as a 19-minute city is still a sign of progress. The city is moving in the right direction, with many efforts focused on improving public transport, walkability, and access to essential services in various neighborhoods. With the right planning and investment, Sydney could inch closer to the dream of a 15-minute city in the future.
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The study highlights the importance of rethinking how cities are designed, particularly in a time where urban sustainability and livability are top priorities.
Conclusion
The dream of living in a 15-minute city may not yet be a reality for Sydney, but the city’s 19-minute ranking shows that it’s not too far off. As urban planning continues to evolve, the possibility of reaching that 15-minute goal may become more achievable, improving quality of life for residents across Sydney and beyond.
In the meantime, smaller cities like Hobart and Canberra are showing that with thoughtful design, the 15-minute city lifestyle might not be a distant dream for Australians after all.
