Melbourne Assembly forum to discuss urban liveability and health

The Melbourne Assembly, an initiative by The Age in partnership with the University of Melbourne, is hosting a three-day forum to discuss the future of the city. The event focuses on four key themes: shaping the city, healthy places and people, innovation and education, and sport and the arts.

Discussions regarding the theme of healthy places and people include urban design, home construction, and city walkability. Experts are examining how high-density living, access to light and ventilation, and tree canopy cover impact community wellness, including respiratory and cardiovascular health.

The forum features global planning pioneer Carlos Moreno, who introduced the ‘15-minute city’ concept, alongside former New York Mayor Bill de Blasio. The 15-minute city principle suggests that essential services—such as schools, shops, healthcare, and transport—should be within a 15-minute walk of a resident's home.