Master planned communities : do they offer a solution to urban sprawl or a vehicle for seclusion of the more affluent consumers in Australia?

Master planned communities (MPCs) are relatively new phenomena in Australia and are being used in some states to address problems of urban sprawl and dislocation of society. In order to achieve the needs of healthy, safe, sustainable communities, local centres need to encompass jobs, shopping, services and entertainment in convenient and attractive locations. In many countries although the State is in a position to legislate and oversee regional planning, it is no longer in a position to implement many of the changes needed to support the needs of its citizens. Private developers are working either on their own or in partnership with State governments to build fully planned communities encompassing housing, infrastructure, education, work and leisure. This paper addresses the question of whether such MPCs are an unequivocal good thing. Focussing on developments in Australia, the paper discusses issues of equity, security and community cohesion. The conclusion is optimistic and suggests that developers of MPCs have an opportunity to influence the development of successful communities through innovative learning and work opportunities.